After over 90 years, the largest public housing complex in Boston is formally undergoing a significant renovation.
Mayor Michelle Wu noted the early hot water, laundry, and basic dignity on site, pointing out that the federal government didn’t really comprehend or have an organized program for public housing when this was established, thus this construction led the way nationwide. In Boston, we also know that if you don’t keep things up to date and renovate and redo them, being the first will quickly make you the oldest. We’re working on that portion of it today, creating stunning, amazing homes and settings.
With more than 1,000 subsidized public housing apartments spread among 18 mid-rise buildings and 16 townhome buildings in South Boston, the May Ellen McCormack was constructed in 1938 and is now one of the biggest public housing developments in New England.
More than 2,000 more apartments will be added to the complex as part of the big renovation, which will be completed in two phases, according to municipal officials. Other features will include a veterans park and a YMCA. Up to 20 years are anticipated to pass during the endeavor.
Following Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony, Phase 1 is expected to require $1.1 billion in public and private funding. With 1,365 new mixed-income housing units spread across the northernmost 18 acres of the roughly 31-acre site, the phase will allow tenants to move in before the second phase.
Residents were excited about the long-awaited improvement at the groundbreaking Monday.
People often tell me, “Wow, the community opposition to that must have been insane,” when I bring up this location where we’re going from 1,000 units to 3,300 apartments, said Kenzie Bok, administrator of the Boston Housing Authority. And I respond, “No, the community has supported this endeavor.” They have acknowledged that our inhabitants need modern homes and that there is a chance to create a mixed-income community here that does not pit those two things against one another.
Bok stated that in addition to creating that mixed income density, they will replace all of the really affordable units.
Recent years have seen debate around the McCormack as increased scrutiny of the historic development has resulted from safety incidents and degradation.
The city approved the project in 2023, and construction, headed by Winn, started Monday.
Representative Stephen Lynch, a supporter of the project’s federal funding, stated that it is a genuinely unique endeavor. That shouldn’t be the case. I’m hoping it will become the national model and establish a standard for what public housing and really affordable housing may look like across the country.
