BOSTON— Studio G Architects, in partnership with local nonprofit Heading Home, has announced the completion of 37 Wales Street, a new supportive housing development in Dorchester designed to serve formerly homeless families.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, held on May 1, celebrated the opening of a 20-unit, family-focused apartment building that combines sustainability with social impact.
The project, located on a 10,000 square-foot lot on a quiet residential street, is a testament to the power of thoughtful, mission-driven design. The former structure on the site was demolished to make way for a new four-story building that features family-sized units, shared common areas, and on-site staff offices operated by Heading Home. All apartments are designated for extremely low-income families earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), addressing a critical need in Boston’s affordable housing landscape.
“Studio G is proud to unveil 37 Wales Street in partnership with Heading Home to help reach our goal of ending homelessness in the Greater Boston area,” said Gabriela Shelburne, Principal at Studio G Architects. “Part of our core mission at Studio G is to positively contribute to the community by creating spaces where people can feel comfortable and at home.”
The collaboration marks a continued effort by both organizations to integrate housing with supportive services. Heading Home, a leading nonprofit committed to ending homelessness in Greater Boston, will provide residents with on-site resources through a dedicated Program Manager.
“We truly appreciate Studio G’s commitment to innovative and cost-effective solutions that embrace environmental, economic and social sustainability,” said Danielle Ferrier, CEO of Heading Home. “This building design will ensure a safe, healthy and stable environment for the homeless children and their parents who will be living there.”
Designed to meet Passive House and LEED Silver standards, the building emphasizes energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. It features a high-performance building envelope and an all-electric HVAC system, bringing the development close to Net Zero Energy use. The project received funding support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) and the City of Boston.
37 Wales Street stands as a model for how sustainable design and social equity can be intertwined, offering dignity, stability, and opportunity for families emerging from homelessness.
