Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces New Redevelopment Vision for Hurley, Lindemann Buildings

Boston, MA — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) will initiate a new process for a residential mixed-use redevelopment of the downtown Boston superblock comprised of the Charles F. Hurley and Erich Lindemann buildings.

The Administration’s redevelopment of this state-owned site will address Massachusetts’s urgent need for housing while prioritizing historic preservation and driving commercial vitality. As part of this redevelopment, the Administration plans to deliver upgraded, modern space for the residential mental health services currently provided by the Department of Mental Health in the Lindemann building.

“Given the Hurley - Lindemann site’s proximity to major hubs of Massachusetts industries, educational institutions, and government, it holds enormous redevelopment potential,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Our approach will deliver urgently needed housing and economic opportunities in the heart of our capital city.”   

“This proposal underscores the Administration’s commitment to creating new housing opportunities every way we can,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “Congratulations to DCAMM for this thoughtful approach to redeveloping state properties. Stable housing can make all the difference in someone’s life, and that is especially true when we talk about the impact it has on mental health. This project will create a vibrant livable community and provide housing and services to those who need it most.”

“Recasting the vision for the Hurley/Lindemann site reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to supporting economic vitality both by addressing the pressing need for increased housing production and by reinforcing our commitment to remaining an anchor tenant in the downtown Boston commercial real estate market,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. “DCAMM looks forward to partnering with the City of Boston, community members, and our colleagues across state government as we revitalize this site in a manner that respects and preserves its significant architectural heritage.”

“We welcome the opportunity to be part of the process of providing a more modern and accessible residential infrastructure to support our mental health clients,” said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle. “DMH clients who receive critical residential services in the Lindemann Mental Health Center also benefit from its proximity to medical providers and from the sense of community they find in this neighborhood.”

The Hurley - Lindemann site was planned—and the Lindemann Building was designed—by architect Paul Rudolph; construction was completed in 1971. The site remains architecturally significant due to its unique mid-century design, and the Administration will prioritize historic preservation in the renewed redevelopment process.

The Administration’s updated plan represents a departure from a prior Request For Proposals (RFP) process, in which the Commonwealth selected Leggat McCall Properties (LMP) in 2022 to redevelop the Hurley building—not including the Lindemann—into state office space and life sciences laboratory facilities. The updated approach further advances the Administration’s goals for housing production and allows the Commonwealth to utilize the cost-effective and flexible approach of leasing downtown Boston office space for state employees.

The Administration will engage with local and regional stakeholders and community members to shape and advance its vision for the Hurley - Lindemann prior to issuing an RFP. More information about the redevelopment process will be provided as soon as it is available.

Chrystal Kornegay, CEO of MassHousing

“MassHousing applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to advance the redevelopment of the Hurley and Lindemann buildings, with a strong focus on creating new housing. This new planning process will address our state’s housing crisis, by delivering new partnerships that unlock housing production on a key state-owned parcel. We commend the Governor and her team for their leadership on this important issue.”

Arthur Jemison, Chief of Planning for the City of Boston

"I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for focusing on the redevelopment of such a significant site in our downtown. Redeveloping this site into much needed housing will also add to our efforts here at the City to revitalize our downtown by bringing more residents into the neighborhood."

Jay Ash, CEO of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and Former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development

“This is a bold decision that represents a significant investment in the downtown real estate market at a critical time. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is making a real commitment to energizing Boston with this approach, which should please both commercial real estate interests and those calling for more housing investment.”

Rachel Heller, CEO, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)

"Housing is the single best investment we can make to put Massachusetts on the path to a bright future. By dedicating state owned land for mixed use development, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is prioritizing the creation of homes that people, our neighborhoods, our economy, and the Commonwealth need to thrive. Transforming existing buildings to provide homes and new uses is key to fostering vibrant healthy neighborhoods."

Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)

“We definitely need more housing in downtown Boston, and especially affordable housing, so MAPC is glad to see the Administration revamping its plan for the Hurley/Lindemann site to focus on housing. We look forward to working with the Commonwealth and the City of Boston on the future of this critical site.”

###