Urban Edge and Nuestra Comunidad celebrated the ribbon cutting of 59 Bartlett Station Drive, a new five-story affordable housing development located at the heart of Roxbury.
59 Bartlett was developed by Nuestra Comunidad as its third and final rental residential phase at Bartlett Place, the long-running transformation of the long vacant former Bartlett Yard bus facility. The completion and formal opening represent an important milestone for Urban Edge following its merger with Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation.
Now completed, the project reflects a commitment from both public, private and nonprofit entities to preserving affordability, preventing displacement, and ensuring that Roxbury residents can continue to live and thrive in the community they call home.
"59 Bartlett is a powerful example of what sustained, community-centered development can achieve," said Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge. "These homes will help create housing stability for residents while bringing new opportunity and community space to Roxbury. It is especially meaningful to celebrate this achievement as Urban Edge and Nuestra Comunidad move forward together. This project honors Nuestra's legacy in Roxbury and signals the strength of our shared future by continuing to protect affordability, supporting residents, and investing in our neighborhoods."
"Housing is the foundation of opportunity, and every new affordable home helps ensure that Boston remains a city where families, seniors, and individuals can build their futures," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "59 Bartlett Station is the result of years of partnership, community engagement, and a shared commitment to making Roxbury a place where longtime residents and future generations can continue to thrive. I am grateful to Urban Edge, Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation, and all of our partners who helped make this vision a reality."
The 49,000 sq ft development features 44 affordable rental apartments, 44 bicycle parking spaces, 33 parking spaces, and an indoor community space. Located near public transportation and neighborhood amenities, 59 Bartlett provides residents with convenient access to the heart of Boston, as well as employment and entertainment hubs across the city.
Designed to promote both environmental sustainability and resident well-being, 59 Bartlett Station was developed in accordance with LEED Platinum and Passive House standards, incorporating continuous filtered fresh-air ventilation, rooftop solar panels, and high-performance building systems that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
59 Bartlett Station advances the broader vision for Bartlett Station, a new 10-building 367-unit mixed-use neighborhood on a former MBTA trolley yard. Once an underutilized site, Bartlett Station has been transformed through a multi-phase redevelopment effort that includes affordable, moderate-income, and market-rate rental and homeownership opportunities, senior housing, commercial and retail space, public green space, outdoor seating and dining, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.
Officials at the ceremony recalled the neighborhood's transportation history and lauded the development team for its new life.
"Today's grand opening is an important step toward creating more affordable housing in one of Boston's most vibrant neighborhoods," said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of the Mayor's Office of Housing. "59 Bartlett StationBartlett Station Building 5 reflects what is possible when mission-driven organizations, community leaders, and the City work together to deliver high-quality, affordable homes that respond to the needs of Boston residents."
With its heart in Egleston and Jackson Squares, a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally and economically diverse area of Boston, Urban Edge works with others across the City of Boston and region to promote high quality, sustainable and affordable communities. Public, private, and non-profit entities turn to Urban Edge for its advice and expertise, and as a partner in undertaking complex and transformative urban development projects.
"59 Bartlett carries forward Nuestra Comunidad's deep commitment to Roxbury and the years of work that have shaped Bartlett Place," said Donna Cramer, Director of Nuestra's Board. "As the first development completed under our merger, it also shows what we are coming together to do. We are protecting affordability, supporting residents, and investing in the future of our neighborhoods. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and carry that shared purpose into the work ahead."
This project, much like Nubian Square, reflets a vision for Roxbury's future that builds on the neighborhood's rich history and strong community roots, while shaping its next chapter.
The project team included Windale Developers, Davis Square Architects, Bald Hill Builders, Urban Habitat Initiatives, and WinnResidential.
Financing and support for the development were provided by MassHousing, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, the City of Boston, MassSave, RBC Community Investments, and JPMorgan.
"Having a stable and secure home gives me a sense of peace and comfort," said Mr. Jean Francois, a resident of 59 Bartlett Station Drive. "As a person with a disability, it means so much to have an apartment that meets my needs and allows me to live comfortably and independently. I am very grateful to everyone who helped me through this process and made it possible for me to have a safe place to call home."
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