East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBHNC) has modified its plans for its new Winthrop Community Health Center at 10-26 Somerset Ave., and will be re-permitting and then proceeding with a complete renovation of the block, which was once the First National Market and more recently The Family Dollar Store. The EBHNC had previously gotten town approval for demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new building. Higher than expected construction costs and a desire to proceed in the most sustainable way, along with a building that is salvageable, all led to the decision to renovate.
Construction is targeted to begin this summer and its estimated completion date is the end of the year. The restored building, which will have 10,400 s/f, will include the 7,600 s/f health center and renovated space for three tenants. By keeping the original structure, the parcel will be able to accommodate eight off-street parking spaces.
The general contractor for the $3 million project is Wise Construction Co. and the design was provided by isgenuity (formerly Martin Batt Architects).