West Broadway Homes

Crowded and boisterous, West Broadway Homes initially housed World War II veterans. Built in 1949 as the West Broadway Housing Development, it aimed to provide temporary housing. West Broadway Homes quickly evolved. It became a large-scale public housing project known as the “D Street Projects”. The project occupied a significant footprint in South Boston. It stretched across four city blocks, bordered by West Broadway, West Seventh Street, B Street, and D Street. Originally exclusively for white veterans, West Broadway Homes became a focal point in the fight for fair housing. A 1962 lawsuit forced the Boston city government to desegregate the project. This marked a turning point in the city’s history. West Broadway Homes became a symbol of changing social dynamics. However, by the 1980s, West Broadway Homes faced new challenges. It struggled with issues common to many urban housing projects. Deteriorating conditions and social problems led to a need for revitalization. An ambitious renovation plan was enacted. The project was divided into smaller “villages”. Streets were reintroduced. Courtyards and green spaces replaced the original landscaping. Architectural enhancements, such as pitched roofs, softened the institutional feel. Despite its location in a historically rough part of South Boston, West Broadway Homes persevered. The surrounding neighborhood underwent gentrification, further transforming the area. West Broadway Homes remains a landmark. It reflects the complex history of public housing, urban development, and social change in Boston. Today, it offers affordable housing. It features a variety of amenities, including laundry hookups, fully equipped kitchens, and playgrounds. West Broadway Homes continues to be a vital part of the South Boston community.