Ground breaking held for the third phase of the Old Colony project

South Boston, MA One of the oldest federal public housing developments in the United States has begun the next stage of a decade-long transformation. Building on the 285 residences constructed since 2011 at The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony, a groundbreaking ceremony kicked off a third phase of redevelopment designed by The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT) for Beacon Communities and the Boston Housing Authority. This latest round sees the demolition of four existing structures and the construction of 135 affordable homes across two new, four-story buildings. 

Reflecting TAT’s longstanding commitment to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, the project’s third phase continues the firm’s earlier replacement of deteriorating mid-century superblocks with a series of mid-rise buildings that better respond to the surrounding neighborhood context. A further 166 affordable housing units are also planned for what has become one of the nation’s most successful public housing redevelopments. 

Integrated into the pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and open space created in phases one and two, TAT’s design for Old Colony phase three includes a mix of one- through four-bedroom homes. The first building, located at 20 Burke St., holds 88 units and is 107,000 s/f. The second structure, at 229 East 8th St., includes 47 units and is 49,000 s/f. Both buildings feature landscaped central courtyards and private patio space for many residential units. 

“The ongoing redevelopment of The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony exemplifies the positive and lasting impacts of creative approaches to affordable housing,” said TAT associate Jay Szymanski, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP. “We’re proud to collaborate with the city of Boston and with a development team committed to creating high-quality, healthy, and attractive homes that will help transform the community and offer a national model for revitalization.”

The Homes at Old Colony is the latest in a long line of innovative affordable and workforce housing projects designed by TAT, including Yarn Works in Fitchburg, Mass., Gateway North Apartments in Lynn, Mass., Loft Five50 in Lawrence, Mass., and Livingston School Apartments in Albany, New York.