BEVERLY, MA – Harborlight Homes (formerly Harborlight Community Partners), in partnership with SV Design, Groom Construction and the City of Beverly, will be celebrating the opening of Anchor Point (Phase 1) affordable home community in Beverly, with a ribbon cutting Friday, July 29th at 9:30am, 108 Sohier Road.
Over 600 applications were received for the 38 units in this new affordable community; occupancy was determined via housing lottery conducted by Harborlight in accordance with Fair Housing policy. Under construction for the past year (and in development for more than five years), this celebration coincides with the completion of Phase 1, 38 affordable apartment homes on an innovative, 5-acre development serving essential workers and their families, as well as families affected by homelessness.
Phase 2, expected to begin in 2023, will add an additional 39 homes.
The project is result of a Memorandum of Understanding entered into by the Mayors of Beverly, Salem and Peabody to create more affordable homes in each of these communities. A local zoning adoption in favor of multifamily housing led to this outstanding community asset that creates homes for families who would otherwise be displaced by out of reach market rate rents on the North Shore.
“Anchor Point is the manifestation of what we at Harborlight believe affordable homes should be; beautiful, energy efficient, dignified, service enriched, and economically accessible,” says Andrew DeFranza, Executive Director for Harborlight Homes. “Workers we rely on every day cannot afford to live in our region. This challenges us to create spaces that mitigate housing insecurity and promote equity and inclusion in our region. Anchor Point achieves this, while also serving as an example of how bold, local action can uplift our communities overall.”
Anchor Point will open its doors to new residents in August. The two- and three-bedroom units are thoughtfully designed with energy efficient appliances, windows, and lighting; high efficiency heating and cooling systems; solar panels and water conservation sensor fixtures.
“Our team at SV Design is proud to have a hand in creating Anchor Point’s high-quality, economically modest homes for families to call their own,” said Thad Siemasko, SV Design’s founding principal. “It is of utmost importance to cultivate opportunities that provide equitable and sustainable housing and equip residents with amenities that bring convenience and a sense of community into their everyday lives. It is our hope that everyone moving in feels welcome, at home, and the intention behind these thoughtfully planned spaces.”
Depending on a state funding award, Phase 2 is anticipated to break ground in 2023 with construction of the remaining 39 units. An additional third building on the campus, The Lighthouse Center (TLC), is planned though will be the created via philanthropy. TLC will be the heart of Anchor Point, providing on-site childcare, after school programming, adult education, a teaching kitchen, financial counseling, health care visits and more. The campus, along with TLC, will offer community gathering areas, playgrounds, walking paths, community gardens, a playing field, and more. .
“Communities that combine quality living with on-site skilled services are a focus for our company and something that we hope to develop more of in the future,” said David Groom, Principal at Groom Construction. “We are proud to partner once again with Harborlight and the SV Design team on such an impactful project for our community. “
