NEI General Contracting completes The Pryde - New England’s first LGBTQ-affirming affordable senior-housing community

Hyde Park, MA NEI General Contracting has completed construction on The Pryde, creating New England’s first LGBTQ-affirming affordable community for residents 62 years of age and older. Completed with the development team that includes Pennrose, LGBTQ Senior Housing, Inc. and DiMella Shaffer, the community consists of 74 mixed-income rental homes constructed inside the historic former William Barton Rogers Middle School, offered to households earning less than 30% to less than 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

NEI was chosen to oversee the project thanks to its reputation as one of the region’s predominant affordable housing builders, with multiple new construction and renovation projects in its portfolio. The company is routinely selected to partner with community organizations and housing authorities to help navigate the affordable housing process, and to ensure the final project reflects the needs of the community.

The Pryde includes studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. Several units were set aside for the formerly homeless and 70% of the units give preference to current Boston residents at initial lease-up. It features a 10,000 s/f community center, a learning classroom, a library, and an art exhibition space. There is also a multipurpose space for neighborhood meetings and events, making the Pryde a centerpiece of community activities in the area.

Renovations also incorporated lounge areas, a fitness center, on-site laundry, an outdoor courtyard, and more. The apartments feature modern kitchens with a dishwasher, electric cooktop and wall oven and central A/C. 

The Pryde is located near shops, restaurants, and a variety of cultural and outdoor amenities, including the Riverside Theatre Works, Menino Arts Center, YMCA, and the public library. The community is also located near two MBTA commuter rail stops serving the Fairmont and Providence lines.

“The Pryde addresses the significant shortfall of affordable housing for our most vulnerable seniors in and around Boston, while also providing a community where everyone can live with dignity” said Josef Rettman, president, NEI. “NEI has consistently been one of Massachusetts’ strongest supporters of the need for more affordable housing, and we are pleased to see The Pryde come to life and create access to safe and attainable apartments in Hyde Park.”