A new transit-oriented development has received approval and will add to Boston’s affordable housing inventory. The development will break ground right away at two separate sites in the Codman Square neighborhood of Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Named Talbot Commons II, this $32 million development marks the second phase of the larger Talbot Commons project. Construction is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2026.
Highlights
- WNC & Associates (WNC) has closed the deal for the Talbot Commons II project at the Codman Square neighborhood in Boston.
- The project will deliver 42 affordable housing units across two buildings located on separate sites within the neighborhood.
- The total estimated cost of the project is $32 million, and it is projected to be completed by summer 2026.
WNC and CSNDC Close Deal For Talbot Commons II
The Talbot Commons II project is becoming a reality after WNC & Associates (WNC) secured the deal with Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC). WNC is considered the pioneer and leader in the affordable housing industry.
Anil Advani, Executive Vice President, Originations and Finance at WNC, said in a statement, “Boston is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country and there is a dire need for more affordable units”.
The Dorchester-based grassroots community organization, CSNDC, develops affordable housing as a means of strengthening community power in the fight for racial and economic justice.
Kiele Mauricio, who is the Real Estate Project Manager at CSNDC, said, “We believe that affordable housing should be a foundation for stability, personal growth, and community connection”.
42 New Affordable Housing Units Planned for the Upcoming Development
Talbot Commons II will comprise 42 units of affordable housing across two four-story buildings. The first building will be located at 151 Spencer Street, and the second at 21 New England Avenue. The former will include a total of 19 units, with five one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom units. The latter will have six one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units, totaling 23 units.
The units will be available to families for households earning 30%, 50%, 60% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). Eight of the units will be supported by project-based Section 8 vouchers. At the same time, another eight will be included in the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. Nine units will also be reserved for households with a history of homelessness.
In-Unit and Common Area Amenities Included
Each unit at Talbot Commons II will feature amenities such as a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, garbage disposal, vinyl flooring, and window blinds. All appliances will be high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR certified, ensuring sustainability and cost savings for residents.
Common area amenities will include laundry facilities, a picnic area, an elevator, an activity room, a community garden, controlled access, and bicycle parking.
Sustainable Design and High-Quality Finishes
Talbot Commons II has been designed with finishes that ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. The project complies with the City of Boston’s Zero Energy Building guidelines, as well as Passive House certification, Green Enterprise Communities certification, and LEED Silver standards.
The kitchen cabinets in each unit will be formaldehyde-free. The finishes for the interiors have been designed to be durable and high-quality, and the use of sustainable materials has been prioritized.
Furthermore, both buildings will feature rooftop solar panels, which will provide shade and help reduce the buildings’ overall carbon footprint.
Residents to Be Offered Wraparound Services
Residents of Talbot Commons II will have access to a range of on-site wraparound services, which will be offered free of charge by CSNDC. These services will focus on case management, digital literacy, employment support, financial coaching and housing education.
The first phase of the Talbot Commons project broke ground in 2020 at Norfolk Avenue and is currently fully occupied. Talbot Commons I has 40 LIHTC units and has a 400-household waitlist. Once Talbot Commons II is completed, a few more low-income families will be able to find affordable housing in Boston.
