BOSTON – NEI General Contracting announced the completion of Holtzer Park for Urban Edge. Located on Amory Street in Jamaica Plain in Boston, the new development provides 62 new, affordable rental apartments.
Designed by ICON Architecture, the project includes nine single-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom apartments. Fourteen of the units are designated for formerly homeless families, for those with disabilities, or for people accessing services through the Department of Mental Health. The building includes indoor bike storage, laundry facilities, and a community room. The larger site will offer surface parking and a landscaped children’s play area.
Holtzer Park is part of the Boston Housing Authority’s (BHA) Amory Street phased redevelopment project in Jackson Square. Working with developers The Community Builders (TCB), Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC), and Urban Edge, the redevelopment plan includes the renovation and preservation of 199 public housing units as affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities, and the creation of three new buildings, with a total of 195 affordable and 110 market-rate apartments. Holtzer Park, developed by Urban Edge, provides 62 affordable apartments for households earning up to 30%, 50%, and 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).
During the early stages of excavation for the foundation, NEI discovered unknown buried concrete obstructions. The project team quickly adjusted for full removal of foundation instead of aggregate piles, avoiding the need for structural piers or digging to undisturbed soil for foundation support. As a result, NEI was able to expedite remaining activities and finish the project on schedule even with the surprise obstructions.
Holtzer Park utilizes a high-efficiency heating system and building envelope, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances. Solar power will be used as well as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to promote efficient living. The development will employ environmentally friendly design features throughout and will meet the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Homes Gold certifiable standard. The housing development will also meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star standards.
