Centre Street Partners, which is comprised of three local companies -- The Community Builders, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation and Urban Edge, have been selected to begin the restoration of the Mildred C. Hailey public housing apartments.



Richard Heath

In February the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) announced they were seeking a private developer to renovate the Jackson Square apartment complex into a mixed-income community, with a commitment to preserve all of the existing affordable housing units.

"In order to meet the housing needs of all of our residents, we must think creatively to preserve our existing affordable housing stock, while developing new housing," said Mayor Martin Walsh via a press release on August 8th. "I am pleased the Centre Street Partners share our goal, and look forward to the improved housing that will be built as part of this partnership."

The proposed development will replace five existing, high-rise residential buildings on Centre Street with five new residential mixed-use buildings. Approximately 625 rental units, including one-for-one replacements of the current 232 subsidized apartments and 393 new market rate apartments. Four of the five buildings are proposed as mixed income housing, with a 2:1 ratio of market rate to affordable units. The fifth building will serve elders in the apartment complex community.

There will be community meetings this fall to initiate the design process.

The BHA and the development team are confident there can be minimal relocation of current residents during the redevelopment. Residents will be offered relocation options that include moves to other BHA public housing sites or Housing Choice/Section 8 vouchers. Current residents will also have the right to return to the site after redevelopment.

The current proposal also includes 375 parking spaces and 14,800 square feet of non-residential building space, which would include a new Anna Mae Cole Community Center.

"We are looking forward to working with the development team to improve the apartments and quality of life for the residents of Hailey Apartments," said Yamilet Torres, president of the Mildred Hailey tenant task force, according to a press release. "We are ready to hit the ground running with this much-needed undertaking."

Centre Street Partners was chosen by a committee that included residents of the Mildred C. Hailey public housing development and BHA staff reviewed the proposal and interviewed the Centre Street Partners team. Centre Street Partners was favored due to its "demonstrated model for strong resident partnerships and services."

"The Community Builders is pleased to partner with the Boston Housing Authority," said Bart Mitchell, president and CEO of The Community Builders. "Together with Jamaica Plain NDC and Urban Edge, our partnership will help keep Jackson Square strong, with revitalized affordable housing, new market-rate housing, and expanded green space for the entire neighborhood and we are excited to engage with the residents of Mildred Hailey Apartments."