- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll administration joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Beacon Communities, Pine Street Inn, Mount Vernon Company and elected officials to celebrate the redevelopment of a historic YWCA building into the largest supportive housing community for people experiencing homelessness in the state.
The development preserved space for several nonprofits that occupied the building, including the YWCA, while creating 210 new permanently affordable apartments located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay.
In addition to serving low-income residents, the development of 140 Clarendon includes 111 apartments set aside for individuals experiencing homelessness, while also offering supportive services to them.
“This project highlights our shared values in Massachusetts that everyone should have a home,” said Secretary Ed Augustus, of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “It’s not enough to provide housing to our most vulnerable residents, we must provide supportive services to those who need it most. I am proud of this public-private partnership and hope others will be inspired by this new community.”
The 210 apartments include studio and one-bedroom apartments and are all now 100% occupied.
The acquisition of the historic 1920s YWCA building by Beacon Communities and Mount Vernon Company in 2021 paved the way for creating new housing while also preserving the many cultural and educational organizations located there, including the Lyric Stage Company theater, the city of Boston’s Snowden School and the YWCA’s offices.
Financing for the project was made possible through a variety of sources, including a loan from MassHousing for $44,250,000 along with $500,000 in capital. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities contributed $23,575,000 in state Low-Income Tax Credits and $37,979,424 in federal Low-Income Tax Credits as well as $5,250,000 in subsidies. The Mayor’s Office of Housing provided $8,789,955 in funding. Another $9,264,762 in historic tax credits were also used.
"Making sure residents have a safe, stable place to live is critical in our efforts to ensure Boston is a safe, strong, and resilient city for everyone,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “The 140 Clarendon community shows how public, private, and nonprofit partners can work together to strengthen our neighborhoods to be a home for everyone."
"The results we are delighted to celebrate at 140 Clarendon demonstrate what can be accomplished with a true joint effort to offer lasting solutions to people who've experienced homelessness as well as those in need of affordable residences, even in an iconic Boston neighborhood,” said Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities. “Beacon is proud of this historic reuse that is already a national model."
Les Miller, a resident of 140 Clarendon for 30 years, spoke Thursday from the stage of the Lyric Stage theater where officials gathered to celebrate the completion of the project.
“Beacon Communities has done a fabulous job with the complete renovation both inside and outside our beautiful building,” Miller said. “The staff have been wonderful to us and is very easy to approach.”
Miller joked about living through the construction which ended with her moving into a beautiful new handicapped-accessible apartment.
“MassHousing is grateful for its partners at the city, state, and federal levels that provided the funding and resources necessary to bring this project to life,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “140 Clarendon provides a crucial link between housing, transit, and economic opportunity. We are thrilled to begin welcoming new residents to the neighborhood.”
Residents currently experiencing homelessness will be supported through the National Housing-First model and social supportive services provided by Pine Street Inn. The remaining 99 affordable apartments are reserved for low-income applicants. Within the community, residents can take advantage of on-site amenities including a fitness center, computer learning center, and community room.
“Pine Street Inn is thrilled to be part of the 140 Clarendon community,” said Lyndia Downie, Pine Street’s president & executive director. “The support services provided by Pine Street are key to ensuring that vulnerable individuals have the resources they need to successfully settle into their new apartments and the larger community. 140 Clarendon embodies the mission of Pine Street to end homelessness by making the safety and stability of permanent housing a reality for 111 tenants,” she added.
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