Arlington Breaks Ground On New Affordable Housing Complex

ARLINGTON, MA — Construction began this week on a new affordable housing complex, the town announced.

A groundbreaking event was held earlier this month at 10 Sunnyside Ave., the former location of Alewife Automotive Center. It will soon be the site of the five-story mixed-use facility with 43 units. According to the town, eight units will be reserved for households earning less than 50 percent of the area median income. 15 will be reserved for households earning less than 30 AMI in a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. All units will be deed-restricted exclusively for residents making less than 60 percent AMI. In addition, the building is expected to earn Passive House certification, which incorporates the rigorous energy-efficiency design and construction standards. Arlington’s AMI is approximately $151,000.

The Arlington Community Preservation Act Committee allocated $500,000 in fiscal year 2024 and another $500,000 in FY25. In 2023, the Affordable Housing Trust approved its first predevelopment loan of $250,000 for the project. Two years later, when unexpected costs threatened the development, the Trust was able to allocate an additional $200,000 award in order for the state to agree to cover the remaining gap of approximately $2 million.

"This is a prime example of the importance of the Affordable Housing Trust being adequately funded as its ability to respond quickly, year-round, can save a project,” said Chair of the Arlington Affordable Housing Trust Fund Karen Kelleher said.. “The town’s allocation was leveraged into more than $24 million of state and federal subsidies.”

Town Manager Jim Feeney, State Rep. Dave Rogers, and members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Housing Corporation of Arlington, Redevelopment Board, CPAC and AHT were in attendance of the groundbreaking ceremony in addition to Kelleher.

Construction of the building is estimated to finish in the summer of 2027.

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