TEMPLETON, MA — MPZ Development and Capstone Communities announced the successful closing of financing for the Baldwinville School Apartments, a redevelopment project that will transform the former Baldwinville Elementary School into 54 rental units. The project marks Templeton’s first multifamily housing development to be permitted in more than 25 years.
The Baldwinville School Apartments will offer 49 affordable units for households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income. The remaining units will be rented at market rates. Designed by ICON Architecture, the development will preserve and renovate the historic school building and add a newly constructed building that meets Enterprise Green Communities and Passive House standards.
Funding for the project comes from a range of public and private partners, including the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing, Rockland Trust, National Equity Fund, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and The Life Initiative. Additional local support includes $1.924 million awarded through the Community Preservation Act via Templeton’s Community Preservation Committee, and $750,000 from the Commonwealth’s Underutilized Properties Program administered by MassDevelopment.
The new apartments will feature a range of layouts, including lofts, studios, and one- to three-bedroom units. Amenities planned for residents include a courtyard and community green space, children’s playground, fitness center, electric vehicle charging stations, in-building laundry, and a walking trail that leads to an overlook of the Otter River.
“We are thrilled to announce the secured financing for the Baldwinville School Apartments as we seek to bring this project to life and help address the region’s critical need for high-quality affordable housing,” said Jason Korb, Principal of Capstone Communities, and Mathieu P. Zahler, Principal of MPZ Development. “Thank you to our public and private financing partners for believing in our vision for the Baldwinville School Apartments.”
Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, said the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to expanding housing options statewide. “We are proud to contribute funding in support of these new mixed-income units that will allow families to live affordably in Templeton,” he said.
Anne Gobi, Director of Rural Affairs, praised the collaborative approach to the project. “This long-awaited housing project is a fantastic example of a public, private partnership and the Healey-Driscoll administration’s commitment to uplifting rural communities,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the historic school occupied again.”
State Senator Peter Durant called the funding announcement welcome news. “It’s great to be able to convert a historic building into much-needed housing with a design that pays homage to its near-century of service as a school,” he said.
“Many small, rural communities face challenges when it comes to meeting housing needs,” Durant added. “The support from the town for this project will surely make it a success, and I look forward to the day the ribbon is cut.”
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik said he has supported the project for years. “This project is going to provide an increase in affordable housing in the area, and I look forward to seeing the work completed by Capstone Communities and MPZ Development,” he said.
Templeton Interim Town Administrator Holly Young emphasized the long-term effort behind the project. “This project has been in the works since early 2020 and the Town of Templeton is very excited to see the building renovated and re-used,” she said. “It has taken a lot of work and joint efforts from the Town of Templeton departments working with Matt Zahler of MPZ Development and Jason Korb of Capstone Communities to see this project come to fruition.”
Chair of the Templeton Select Board Michael Currie said the financing closure was a major milestone. “We, the greater Templeton community, are so happy to enter the final phase to see this project through,” he said.
Navjeet Bal, President and CEO of MassDevelopment, highlighted the agency’s contributions. “The goal of these programs, which we administer on behalf of the Commonwealth, is to breathe new life into underused sites for the benefit of our residents and communities,” she said. “That’s exactly what MPZ and Capstone are achieving here in Templeton.”
Chrystal Kornegay, CEO of MassHousing, said the project will revitalize the former school. “This development is going to breathe new life and vibrancy into the building that will continue to serve the community for many more years to come,” she said.
Claudius Zorokong, Commercial Banking Officer at Rockland Trust, noted the strong development team. “Capstone and MPZ have a track record of exemplary performance, and we are thrilled to be part of a revitalization effort that focuses on the creation of low-income housing opportunities,” he said.
Tony Thesing, managing director at National Equity Fund, praised the project’s innovative approach. “Our partners at Capstone Communities and MPZ Development are providing the town of Templeton with a well-designed, creative approach for adaptive reuse of its historic school building,” he said.
Brandon Braxton, Vice President of The Life Initiative, said this is the second school revitalization they’ve supported with Capstone and MPZ. “To do so in a way that increases affordable housing is especially rewarding,” he said. “We wish the team continued success.”
Construction is expected to begin shortly, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for May.
