“Affordable housing and community space.” That’s the future of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Jamaica Plain. Mayor Michelle Wu announced a $67 million investment. This investment aims to create and preserve affordable housing units in Boston.
Most Blessed Sacrament Church will receive over $6 million. Pennrose is leading the redevelopment project in partnership with Hyde Square Task Force. The church building will be transformed. It will become mixed-use, mixed-income housing and a community space. This includes a performance area.
The development team secured funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. They submitted an application to the state Department of Housing and Community Development for tax credits. The decisions are expected in mid-2023. Construction is planned to start in 2024 if the application is approved.
The Boston Planning & Development Agency approved the redevelopment project. The Boston Landmarks Commission issued its Concept Design Approval in August. The project team will continue to submit design details for additional approvals.
Pennrose and Hyde Square Task Force are building local partnerships. They are partnering with Jamaica Plain service providers. This will support homeless set-asides and deeply affordable units. Additional accessible units will serve residents needing specific physical supports.
The proposed development is 100% affordable. The project team has eliminated the “workforce” housing tier. This favors deeper affordability for those earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income. This change reflects the community’s goals for the Blessed Sacrament development. It will help meet the neighborhood’s urgent affordable housing needs.
The Boston Planning & Development Agency reviewed the proposal for the former Most Blessed Sacrament Church. Pennrose will renovate and adaptively reuse the building. It is located at 361 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. The architecture and history of Most Blessed Sacrament will be honored. The project will add to Hyde Square’s affordable housing.
Hyde Square Task Force selected Pennrose to lead the project. Community meetings were held to gather feedback. The HSTF Board selected Pennrose. Their selection criteria included community benefit in the form of performance/event space for 250 people. The criteria also included financial benefits to HSTF, accessible outdoor community space, naming consideration, and overall feasibility.
Pennrose committed to income-restricted housing. They are committed to providing community space for over 200 people. The purchase price covers HSTF’s current mortgage. Pennrose is committed to robust outdoor community space. They plan to convert the baptistery to an open-air performance gazebo. They also want to respect the existing outdoor green space.
Hyde Square Task Force is committed to ensuring that Pennrose adheres to the planned use and community benefits. Community engagement will be invaluable. This ensures the long-term success of the project.
In May 2020, the board of directors voted to pursue the sale of the Most Blessed Sacrament property. This decision allows them to focus on supporting enrichment programs for Boston’s youth. The redevelopment efforts and ongoing maintenance costs were too financially straining.