Dorchester Infill and Small Developments

[stick n move]

Affordable Homeownership Project Approved in Dorchester​

“The multifamily project proposed at 376-384A Blue Hill Avenue, designed by JGE Architecture + Design, has won approval. The development will create 18 income-restricted homeownership opportunities in Dorchester's Grove Hall neighborhood. Plans also include ground floor retail and 1,300 square feet of community space.”
Bldup

Bpda project page, havent updated it to say approved yet:
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/376-384a-blue-hill-avenue

 

[ritchiew]

150 Centre Street project sued -- we have institutional NIMBYs blocking housing as well as residents.

School sues to stop housing development at Shawmut Red Line station in Dorchester - The Boston Globe

The BPDA board in November approved the 72-unit development at 150 Centre St., a site that’s currently home to the Fitzpatrick Bros. auto-body shop and an adjacent parking lot.

www.bostonglobe.com

There's a bizarre column about this in Globe. Leung's argument is either "Epiphany School aren't NIMBYs because they are otherwise good people," or "Epiphany School aren't NIMBYs. They're just trying to block construction of apartment buildings in their neighborhood."

One new (to me) detail in there: Epiphany School has also been trying to buy the property and build (fewer) apartments. So this might just be more of battle over who gets to develop. It's weird to write a puff piece about an org and the only new relevant info seems even more damning.

 

[stick n move]

St. Mary's Center for Women and Children wins approval for Jones Hill expansion​

“A proposal by St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children to expand their footprint on Jones Hill and offer new housing for low-income families won approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) on Thursday. The project will include renovations to the facility's existing building, housed in the former St. Margaret's Hospital, which provides shelter and services to young parents and their children.

St. Mary’s officially filed its letter of intent with city officials last year and has been under BPDA's Article 80 review process in recent months.

The project will include the demolition of an existing parking garage and another building on the campus to clear the way for a new building that will create 71 new income-restricted housing units for low-income families. Operations at St. Mary's will continue throughout the project, which is expected to create 177 construction jobs.”

https://www.dotnews.com/2024/st-marys

Larger project for Aspinwall Road condos gets key city approval​

“The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) board yesterday approved a revision to an already-approved project at 3 Aspinwall Rd. in Dorchester that will add 11 additional units and a fifth floor to the building.

The development team behind what was originally a 4-story, 34-unit condo building near Codman Square that received the city’s permission to proceed back in 2019 filed an amended plan last September.

The developer— Solmon Chowdury of Shanti Acquisition — sought the additional units because he was “unable to close the necessary funding to advance the project,” blaming “considerable instability in the market and exceedingly high construction pricing," according to his attorney, Mike Ross.

The mix of units includes 4 studios, 22 one-bedroom units, and 19 two-bedroom units on the site of the former Nelson Manor nursing home, which has sat vacant since 1995. The revised plan includes 29 vehicle parking spaces in a garage, which will also provide 60 spots for bicycles.”

https://www.dotnews.com/2024/larger-project-aspinwall-road-condos-gets-key-city-approval

 

[jjdemello123@gmail.com]

1121 Dorchester Ave

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[stick n move]

New-look market to open on Dot Ave. in coming months​

“Dorchester Market is expected to re-open within the next three months in a new space at the corner of East Cottage Street and Dorchester Avenue, according to the property owner, Peter Sarbaugh, who briefed members of the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association (CSHCA) Planning Committee last week.

The store will occupy part of the ground floor of a new five-story building that includes 38 residential units on the floors above.

“We have the walk-in freezers, the coolers, and all the equipment for the new Dorchester Market being kept and ready in our other space,” said Sarbaugh. “They are plumbing and hooking up refrigerators, and we’re waiting on our sprinkler certificate inspection from the Fire Department. We should be about 90 days out from when the market can be opened back up, hopefully.”

The market did business from a one-story retail building on the site for decades and was operated by Peter McGee, who will run the new market as well.

Long known for its high-quality butcher shop, the upgraded store will also sell beer and wine with a license secured last year with community support. McGee and Sarbaugh have said they envision a more modern market along the lines of those in the Back Bay and the Beacon Hill neighborhood…”

https://www.dotnews.com/2024/new-look-market-open-dot-ave-coming-months

 

[sm89]

New-look market to open on Dot Ave. in coming months​

View attachment 47888

“Dorchester Market is expected to re-open within the next three months in a new space at the corner of East Cottage Street and Dorchester Avenue, according to the property owner, Peter Sarbaugh, who briefed members of the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association (CSHCA) Planning Committee last week.

The store will occupy part of the ground floor of a new five-story building that includes 38 residential units on the floors above.

“We have the walk-in freezers, the coolers, and all the equipment for the new Dorchester Market being kept and ready in our other space,” said Sarbaugh. “They are plumbing and hooking up refrigerators, and we’re waiting on our sprinkler certificate inspection from the Fire Department. We should be about 90 days out from when the market can be opened back up, hopefully.”

The market did business from a one-story retail building on the site for decades and was operated by Peter McGee, who will run the new market as well.

Long known for its high-quality butcher shop, the upgraded store will also sell beer and wine with a license secured last year with community support. McGee and Sarbaugh have said they envision a more modern market along the lines of those in the Back Bay and the Beacon Hill neighborhood…”

View attachment 47889

https://www.dotnews.com/2024/new-look-market-open-dot-ave-coming-months

I don't like the "we're looking for a very specific tenant" mentality. At the neighborhood association meeting, they said they were aiming for something that "won't compete" with existing nearby businesses (no restaurant basically). That usually means a bank is coming... Having competing restaurants has shown to bring more people, not run competitors out of business. As someone who lives nearby, I really wish there were more dining options and that would help keep me in the neighborhood more. If they're hellbent on not having a restaurant, I'd like a hardware store, cafe that stays open past 2pm, or a cocktail bar.

 

[DAVE]

I don't like the "we're looking for a very specific tenant" mentality. At the neighborhood association meeting, they said they were aiming for something that "won't compete" with existing nearby businesses (no restaurant basically). That usually means a bank is coming... Having competing restaurants has shown to bring more people, not run competitors out of business. As someone who lives nearby, I really wish there were more dining options and that would help keep me in the neighborhood more. If they're hellbent on not having a restaurant, I'd like a hardware store, cafe that stays open past 2pm, or a cocktail bar.

very this. a cafe that you could actually sit in and get work done is desperately needed around here. Especially considering Comfort Kitchen just limited their cafe schedule.

 

[stick n move]

Nail Bay Supply owner proposes three-story office, retail building​

“A new three-story office and retail building is being proposed at 1159 Dorchester Ave. by owner Kendall Tran. The vantage point shows what the office building would look like next to the existing Dot Block buildings. Rendering courtesy Kendall Tran

The owner of a one-story retail building that houses a nail supply business at 1159 Dorchester Ave. hopes to replace it with a three-story retail and office building next to the Dot Block development.

Attorney Derric Small told a small crowd that gathered for an abutter’s meeting on Feb. 21 that owner Kendall Tran, of Canton, intends to demolish a two-family home on Greenmount Street and the existing Nail Bay building on Dot Ave. to construct the office building.

“The top two floors will be office space and the first floor would be retail,” said Small. “The ground level will be Nail Bay Supply, that will remain as my client owns the property and will retain the store and have offices upstairs for rent.”

The proposal will feature a 12-car parking lot under the building with an entrance on Greenmount Street. The lot will be on the site of the existing two-family home, which is owned by a relative of Tran.

In a corridor that has been all about developing housing units of late, the proposal has no housing, but plenty of office and retail space. Some abutters wondered if there was a need for more offices, given some of the vacancies now along the avenue.

“We are definitely going to rent it out,” said a confident Small. He noted that there are no tenants for the office space currently.
He said they expect to be in the permitting phase for the remainder of this year, and possibly start construction in spring 2025. They hope to be in front of the Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association (CSHCA) next month.”

https://www.dotnews.com/2024/nail-bay-supply-owner-proposes-three-story-office-retail-building

 

[sm89]

Nail Bay Supply owner proposes three-story office, retail building​

“A new three-story office and retail building is being proposed at 1159 Dorchester Ave. by owner Kendall Tran. The vantage point shows what the office building would look like next to the existing Dot Block buildings. Rendering courtesy Kendall Tran

The owner of a one-story retail building that houses a nail supply business at 1159 Dorchester Ave. hopes to replace it with a three-story retail and office building next to the Dot Block development.

Attorney Derric Small told a small crowd that gathered for an abutter’s meeting on Feb. 21 that owner Kendall Tran, of Canton, intends to demolish a two-family home on Greenmount Street and the existing Nail Bay building on Dot Ave. to construct the office building.

“The top two floors will be office space and the first floor would be retail,” said Small. “The ground level will be Nail Bay Supply, that will remain as my client owns the property and will retain the store and have offices upstairs for rent.”

The proposal will feature a 12-car parking lot under the building with an entrance on Greenmount Street. The lot will be on the site of the existing two-family home, which is owned by a relative of Tran.

In a corridor that has been all about developing housing units of late, the proposal has no housing, but plenty of office and retail space. Some abutters wondered if there was a need for more offices, given some of the vacancies now along the avenue.

“We are definitely going to rent it out,” said a confident Small. He noted that there are no tenants for the office space currently.
He said they expect to be in the permitting phase for the remainder of this year, and possibly start construction in spring 2025. They hope to be in front of the Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association (CSHCA) next month.”

https://www.dotnews.com/2024/nail-bay-supply-owner-proposes-three-story-office-retail-building

Interesting proposal. It *looks* like they might be pulling back the first floor to align with the expanded sidewalks that Dot Block has. Would prefer this be 4 stories just to help set a precedent that taller is fine here. Would prefer not tearing down a residential building for a parking lot, but maybe that makes adding separated bike lanes on Dot Ave easier in the future (no one's talking about bike lanes, but still).

 

[stick n move]

48 -50 Torrey Street

Boston, MA
“The project site is embedded in the Codman Square neighborhood of Dorchester among a variety of apartment buildings and two- to three-family structures. The design responds to the double-wide lot by breaking down the massing into two sections and aligns the front façade to assimilate with surrounding building widths and setbacks. A transparent lobby and bicycle room mark entry at the ground floor while concealing the parking. Tenants will have access to a common rear yard on the southwest side of the building to host gatherings and interact with their neighbors.”

https://www.bldup.com/projects/48-50-torrey-street

 

[FK4]

48 -50 Torrey Street​

​

Boston, MA
“The project site is embedded in the Codman Square neighborhood of Dorchester among a variety of apartment buildings and two- to three-family structures. The design responds to the double-wide lot by breaking down the massing into two sections and aligns the front façade to assimilate with surrounding building widths and setbacks. A transparent lobby and bicycle room mark entry at the ground floor while concealing the parking. Tenants will have access to a common rear yard on the southwest side of the building to host gatherings and interact with their neighbors.”

https://www.bldup.com/projects/48-50-torrey-street

Hard to tell but this could be very elegant if materials are top shelf, and could also look absolutely awful. Not a great sign if the main pic shows it from far, far away. But we’ll see

 

[stick n move]

-This was apparently never posted.

Columbia Crossing​

“The proposed project is an approximately 76,000 square foot, mixed-use building with 48 residential units and approximately 5,000 square feet of ancillary spaces including shared artists' workspace and space for commercial and other public uses plus parking. The project team is committed to development without displacement, ensuring that housing units created though this development are affordable to existing Dorchester residents. All 48 of the apartments in the development will be income-restricted with below-market rents. The Columbia Crossing project will complement and support the Upham’s Corner “Arts and Innovation District.” The project is particularly suited for artists, and 20% of the units are specifically designated for artists. The new building retains and embraces the iconic Dorchester Savings Bank as a prominent design feature including retaining its distinctive banking hall.”

https://uphamscorner.org/residential-development/

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/columbia-crossing


-Plus this from january

Dudley Street, 749 – 759 Dudley Street, Project Phase: Under Review

“The proposed mixed-use commercial/multi-family residential development will be constructed on a 9,908 sf existing commercial site in the Dorchester, Uphams Corner neighborhood with 3,500 gsf of ground floor commercial space along with 48 multi-family units, with 9-garage and 52-bicycle spaces, and having a total of 49,114 gsf of floor area in a new 6-story building.”

https://uphamscorner.org/residential-development/

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/749-759-dudley-street

 

[stick n move]

37 Wales Street​

About 37 Wales St.​

Dorchester, Boston, MA

“Heading Home won approval to develop 23 units of permanent supportive housing on its property at 37 Wales Street in Dorchester. The project will serve formerly homeless families with incomes at or below 30% AMI by providing stable housing and on-site support services. While this project is located in Dorchester it is included in Mattapan Zoning.”

https://www.bldup.com/projects/37-wales-street

 

[stick n move]

Board approves plans to add four-story extension to old Dorchester convent for housing​

By adamg on Tue, 03/12/2024 - 4:36pm

Schematic of old convent building and extension behind it by Context.

“The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved a developer's plans to rehab the former St. Matthew convent at 43-45 Stanton St. in Dorchester and add a four-story addition in its rear to create 14 condos.

Two of the units in the new structure, proposed by Ricky Beliveau's Volnay Capital, would be sold as affordable.

The proposal originally went before the board last November, but the board voted then to defer any action to defer any action to give Beliveau and neighbors more time to try to reach agreement on the size of the project and parking issues.

At today's hearing, Beliveau's attorney, Marc LaCasse said Beliveau and his architect made a number of changes, including reducing the number of parking spaces from 19 to 16, which meant they could be put in the rear of the building, rather than reusing the current street-side front parking lot - which will now instead by a landscaped area with a walkway to the building's main entrance. To satisfy BPDA planners, he said, the design of the roof of the four-story rear addition was changed from flat to pitched.

Residents who testified, however, said it was not enough and called on Beliveau to eliminate the top floor of the addition completely and go down to eleven units - with two still sold as affordable.

Stanton Street resident Milton Jones said he would like to welcome the new residential units to the neighborhood, but said the addition "sticks out like a sore thumb as it hovers" over nearby homes on a narrow street full of homes like his - built in 1890, with "a historical flair and charm."
"It is not in the best interest of the neighborhood," he said.

LaCasse, though, said Beliveau could not make the project work if he went down to eleven units, because gut renovating a historic convent building into residential units is "an expensive proposition." He added he felt the new roof line is "quite pleasing to the eye" as it leads towards the even taller former St. Matthew's Church - which might itself be converted into housing….”

https://www.universalhub.com/2024/board-approves-plans-add-four-story-extension-old

 

[stick n move]

157 Humboldt Avenue​

“The Nehemiah Development, a 100% affordable rental development, is a joint venture between the Nehemiah Committee of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation. This new construction project aims to create approximately 26 units of family housing in Dorchester. The project will consist of one, two, and three-bedroom units as well as a community space.”

http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/157-humboldt-avenue

 

[DAVE]

I know there's no clear definitions of Boston neighborhoods, and the zipcode here probably says Dorchester, but damn this^ feels so squarely Roxbury to me.

 

[kdmc]

I know there's no clear definitions of Boston neighborhoods, and the zipcode here probably says Dorchester, but damn this^ feels so squarely Roxbury to me.

Zip is 02121, which straddles Roxbury and Dorchester. BPDA's own neighbhood map puts everything west of Blue Hills Ave (plus some stuff east of it) in Roxbury, including this development at 157 Humboldt. Curious how BDPA decided this was Dorchester. Also curious if the listed neighborhood has any impact on the approvals process.

 

[stick n move]

69 Bailey street U/C

Construction Nearly Complete for Compact Living Project in Dorchester

“Construction is nearly complete for the new compact living project at 69 Bailey Street, just steps from Ashmont Station. The building will include 19 units, which include 2 studios, 17 one-bedroom, and 2 two-bedroom units. The development will include 1,557 square feet of shared space and 8 parking spaces.”

https://www.bldup.com/posts/construction-nearly-complete-for-compact-living-project-in-dorchester

https://www.bldup.com/projects/69-bailey-street

1970 DORCHESTER AVE. U/C​

“Proposal is a five-story, approximately 49,262 SF, mixed-use / TOD project consisting of 56 units, two retail spaces containing 3,265 SF and 5 garage parking spaces.”

http://greaterashmont.org/district/development-projects/

https://www.bldup.com/projects/1970-dorchester-avenue

120-122 Hancock street U/C

“The Proponent proposes an approximately 20,500 square foot building, inclusive of fifteen (15) residential homeownership units, nine (9) on-site vehicular parking spaces, community space, accessory bike room, and other supportive spaces. As proposed, the residential unit mix three (3) 1-bedroom units and twelve (12) 2-bedroom units. All fifteen (15) units will be deed-restricted affordable units. Eight (8) units will be affordable to households earning not more than 80% AMI. Seven (7) units will be affordable to households earning not more than 100% AMI.”

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/120-122-hancock-street

https://www.bldup.com/projects/120-122-hancock-street

500 Talbot Avenue U/C

“The Approved Project is a 49,500 square feet, mixed-use development containing 40 housing units with 23 parking spaces, a commercial retail space and a church space. The project site is 17,579 SF.”

https://www.bldup.com/projects/500-talbot-avenue

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/500-talbot-avenue

 

[stick n move]

Musically oriented charter school in Dorchester wins approval for expansion of one of its buildings​

By adamg on Tue, 04/09/2024 - 1:08pm

“The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved plans by the Conservatory Lab Charter School to add a cafeteria, gym and new classroom to its K1-to-grade-2 school at 131 Hancock St. in Dorchester.
The school is planning to use the roughly 6,000-square-foot addition to its current 19,000-square-foot building as a benefit for its current students, rather than for expanding the number of students, its attorney, Donald Wiest, said. The school has a separate school building for students in grades 3-8.
The school, open to students across Boston, was founded on the belief that musical education should be intergral to academic pursuits," Weist said.“

https://www.universalhub.com/2024/musically-oriented-charter-school-wins-approval

 

[stick n move]

-Approved

2 Hillsboro Street​

“21-unit new construction condominium project. All units will be income-restricted, 18 units will have a preference for certified artists.”

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/2-hillsboro-street