BOSTON— A new chapter in Mattapan’s story of community-led development is taking shape along Blue Hill Avenue. DVM Housing Partners this week celebrated major progress on BLUME on the Ave, an innovative, mixed-use affordable homeownership project that blends sustainable design, cultural preservation, and small business empowerment in one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods.
Located at 1015-1019, 1039, and 1028-1044 Blue Hill Avenue, BLUME on the Ave includes 30 newly constructed studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums, along with 3,000 square feet of commercial space across three buildings. The project is being developed through a Mayor’s Office of Housing vacant lot disposition and in partnership with MassHousing, the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, and LISC Boston.
The development, led by Dariela Villón-Maga, founder and principal of DVM Housing Partners, reflects a mission deeply rooted in community equity. Born and raised in Grove Hall and a current Mattapan resident, Villón-Maga emphasized that BLUME was designed “by and for the people it serves,” with a focus on preventing displacement and building intergenerational wealth through attainable homeownership.
City officials and housing advocates hailed BLUME as a blueprint for equitable urban revitalization. Sheila Dillon, Boston’s Chief of Housing, noted that “projects like BLUME on the Ave show what’s possible when we invest in a community’s history — creating affordable homes, opportunities for entrepreneurs, and stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.”
In keeping with DVM’s commitment to cultural and economic sustainability, the project’s three commercial spaces will be occupied by Black- and woman-owned local businesses: Sadiddy Lifestyle, a beauty studio; Body, Stone, and Soul + Smart Startup HR, a dual wellness and HR consulting venture; and SIDE Presents, a local arts organization and 2024 City of Boston SPACE Grant recipient known for amplifying underrepresented voices through art and storytelling.
Designed as an all-electric, energy-efficient development, BLUME features modern interiors, open floor plans, and healthy air systems that support both environmental sustainability and resident well-being.
For MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay, the project represents a milestone in accessible homeownership. “BLUME on the Ave has turned vacant parcels into 30 brand new homes for first-time buyers who will enjoy all the benefits of homeownership,” she said.
As the first step in a broader effort to revitalize the Lower Blue Hill Avenue corridor, BLUME on the Ave stands as a model for what neighborhood-driven development can achieve — celebrating Mattapan’s cultural identity while building a foundation for future generations to thrive.
