Boston Redevelopment Authority approves new community center at 621 East First St.

The BRA Board approved a new community center and housing on East First St. The project, located at 621 East First St., has historically been utilized for commercial purposes since the 1880s, but more recently, was being used for storage. The $8.5 million project will add a three-story addition to the existing one story structure, nearly tripling usable square feet to 43,870 s/f. The first floor will include approximately 13,400 s/f for a community center featuring a gymnasium, locker rooms, space for teenagers, administrative and reception offices, daycare, and a wellness center. Adjacent to the center will be a new barber shop. The second, third, and fourth floors will provide over 30,000 s/f for 28 dwelling units, composed of one, two, and three- bedroom units, four of which will be affordable. The project also includes garage parking for 40 vehicles. The project will provide a number of benefits for the South Boston community, including jobs for South Boston and Boston residents, neighborhood modernization, housing, and a new gathering space for the South Boston community.