BOSTON- Primary Development has partnered with the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development to develop two lots of land located at 40 Terrace Street and 132 Terrace Street in the Mission Hill community, just steps from the MBTA Orange Line.
Steeped in rich industrial history, this neighborhood has served the city’s vibrant arts community for many years and continued growth has created a need for affordable homes that cater to working artists.
Aligning with Mayor Walsh’s Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030, Primary Development won a bid in 2017 to bring affordable housing to artists who make a least fifty percent of their income from working in the arts. The comprehensive housing plan announced by the Mayor in 2014 is designed to address the needs of the city’s growing population, which is expected to reach 759,000 residents by 2030.
“As Boston continues to grow and expand, our focus remains grounded in building homes that are affordable to our residents in neighborhoods throughout the City,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I am proud that we have partners like Primary Development who are helping us meet the ambitious goals we’ve set in our housing plan, by building transit-oriented housing that is affordable and designated for artists. These projects are needed in our communities, and I look forward to celebrating this welcome addition to the Mission Hill community.”
The unique residential development project called Terrace Street Artist Condominiums, contains a total of 14 one- and two-bedroom units, which accommodate both the working and living needs of artists. The four-story, high-quality, design-driven buildings are anchored at ground level by solid brick shared art work-spaces, supporting elegantly designed residences defined by natural timber cladding and oversized, deep-set windows. Each home features custom open kitchens, plentiful natural light, and oversized counters – – all designed to eliminate inefficiency and maximize working space.
“Terrace Street Artist Condominiums will bring a much-needed opportunity for members of the arts community to purchase a home,” states Steven Meyer, Partner, Primary Development. “Even though these homes are considered affordable, we have not compromised on design of the exterior and interior of the building.”
Last year, Boston awarded $927,500 in Community Preservation funds to build 14 home ownership units with live/work space for qualified artists at the Terrace Street Artist Condominiums. The Community Preservation Fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017 after voters adopted the measure in November 2016. The last round of CPA awards in February 2019 funded $34 million to projects across the city, including affordable housing developments and programs, parks and open space, and historic preservation projects consistent with statewide guidelines.
Each unit includes standard features such as custom kitchens and baths, under-counter refrigeration, in-unit washer/dryer, and custom tilt-turn casement windows. Construction will start this November with a target completion date of late 2020.
Primary Development will follow up the Terrace Affordable project with the development of nine market-rate condominiums located at 80 Terrace Street.
