Boston Housing Authority selects IBA - Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción as the developer for West Newton/Rutland St. properties

Boston, MA The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has selected affordable housing non-profit IBA - Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción as the developer for its West Newton/Rutland Sts. properties, which includes the revitalization of 146 units in the public housing site in the city's historic South End.

“We’re excited to be able to preserve these properties for future generations of families in the city of Boston,” said mayor Martin Walsh. “Affordable and economically diverse housing is an important component of our vision for our city’s future.”

IBA will now lead the redevelopment of 24 historic brick townhouses, containing existing units of federally subsidized housing, along West Newton and Rutland Sts. As part of the goal, IBA will carry out this project while protecting current residents from displacement and preserving affordability for extremely low-income households over the long term.

“We are thrilled that the Boston Housing Authority has awarded us this redevelopment which will allow us to help stabilize more families and elderly in need,” said Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA. “In light of the competition from larger for-profit developers, we are appreciative that the BHA recognized our investment in the South End to build community for our residents. We look forward to furthering our mission with this project.”

A front-runner in affordable housing since 1968, IBA’s dedication to the local community and quality of resident services it provides, allow it to stand out amongst its peers. Created by a group of Puerto Rican activists, IBA grew out of the fight against displacement and has been continuing that mission ever since. The organization has preserved affordability amidst gentrification and rising property values in the South End, while increasing public safety and building community for the neighborhood.

“The Boston Housing Authority prides itself on our ability to look beyond the usual competitors and to seek out those who make it their business to put the interest of community first,” said Bill McGonagle, Boston Housing Administrator. “The quality of IBA’s proposal stood out for delivering a significant positive impact for these residents, and we look forward to working with them on this project.”

“We’re pleased that these historic South End buildings will be able sustained as a housing resource for our low-income families,” said McGonagle. “We’re confident that IBA shares our vision and commitment to preserving affordable housing for our residents and for future generations of families in need.”

IBA’s most notable development is Villa Victoria, a 435-unit affordable housing community. Home to a diverse population of low-income residents, it stands as a leading example for not only providing residents with a safe and healthy living environment, but also unparalleled resident services and supportive programming, which includes youth development, workforce programming, and an award winning arts program housed at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts. Residents of the neighboring West Newton/Rutland Sts. will be welcomed into this same community.

The BHA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of West Newton/Rutland public housing as a next step in resident and community process as part of a larger goal in preserving affordable housing the city. It comes at a time when the BHA is looking to upgrade and make sustainable affordable housing communities amidst historic federal budget cuts, and Mayor Walsh has placed high importance on an increase in the city’s affordable housing with his housing initiative, Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. IBA’s plan was one of three proposals that the BHA received in response to its RFP, and one of the only CDCs to put out a bid against for-profit competitors. The submitted proposals were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of residents of the West Newton/Rutland public housing development and BHA staff.

Beginning this year, the BHA and IBA will hold a series of resident and community meetings, along with design charrettes, as part of an open, public, neighborhood planning process.