Framingham Housing Complex Up For Extreme Makeover
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The Framingham Housing Authority has used a combination of public and private investments to redevelop the Musterfield at Concord Place.
MassHousing, a Boston-based agency that provides financing to homebuyers and developers for affordable housing units, normally does not get involved with public housing projects.
But Tom Farmer, a spokesperson with the agency, said in the current economy there are fewer new affordable housing projects, so officials are looking for new ways to increase access to and quality of affordable housing projects.
That's why Farmer said he's proud the organization was able to provide $28 million in loan financing for the Musterfield at Concord Place, a Framingham Housing Authority public housing complex that is being renovated. The complex sits along Concord Road, or Route 126, just south of Route 9.
"Our mission is putting people in places they can afford to live in," Farmer said. "So this was really a no-brainer. You have a facility, good people around it and an opportunity to improve the quality of living."
Real Estate Upgrade
Framingham Housing Authority officials are a few weeks into the redevelopment efforts, which mark one of the first public housing projects in the state to use a combination of public and private financing to complete a renovation.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $41 million, with about $28 million dedicated for construction, which began in October. Other costs associated included relocation of residents, planning, design and legal fees, according to the Housing Authority.
Formerly named Pearl Harbor, the 11-building, 110-unit apartment complex was built in 1954 to house veterans, but was in desperate need of upgrade, said Housing Authority Director Kevin Bumpus.
"It's probably been about three years in the making," he said. "Since it was built in 1954, the units are pretty small by today's standards, so the new work will be energy-star rated and will have numerous amenities."
A new fire suppression system will be installed and gas boilers will replace a steam plant that heats the entire complex currently, he said.
"We're very fortunate to have been able to put this all together," Bumpus said.
The project will update the apartments in the complex to include modern kitchens and baths and installations of energy-efficient systems.
Financing for the project, according to the state Department of Housing and Community Development, came from the issuance of federal tax-exempt bonds, along with low-income housing tax credits that were sold to investors. That was coupled with money the town of Framingham dedicated to the project from federal Community Development Block Grant funds and the MassHousing loan.
FHA is working with Boston-based contractor Boston Building and Bridge and worked with JCA Architects to design the project.
"We have a great relationship with the Housing Authority, and we, as a town, have been able to dedicate a lot of (community development grant) money to them," said Ginger Esty, a member of the Framingham Board of Selectmen. "It's a great project and a great thing for the town."
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