BPDA approves SBNDC’s senior housing project

At its January meeting, the Boston Planning & Development Agency Board of Directors unanimously approved South Boston NDC’s development project at 207 E Street.

The former St. Augustine’s convent will be redeveloped into McDevitt Senior Homes, which will provide 35 units of affordable housing for seniors and one resident manager unit.

BPDA board member Brian Miller said he is excited about this project.

“To take this building with a great history and to provide housing for 36 of our seniors that’s affordable is tremendous and so badly needed,” he said.

South Boston NDC Executive Director Donna Brown is thrilled with the BPDA’s approval of the project.

“McDevitt Senior Homes will serve a critical need in South Boston by providing affordable and suitably designed housing for low-income seniors,” she said. “As South Boston faces rapid gentrification and an aging population, the proposed housing development will help address the lack of affordable housing for Boston’s seniors.”

Nineteen of the units will be available to seniors earning no more than 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), and 16 units will be for those earning 30 percent AMI.

In spring of 2022, the Paraclete Foundation and South Boston NDC signed a purchase agreement for the property. The Paraclete will use the sale proceeds to fund scholarships for local students, and South Boston NDC will be given the unique opportunity to create much needed affordable housing for seniors. 

The design will maintain and restore the façade of the original 1926 structure, the front courtyard, and the original iron and masonry gate and fencing as well as incorporate characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood. 

The existing trees in the front courtyard will remain on site, and the project will add new landscaping, an entryway, and a seating area.

“The other important thing, you can drive many blocks in this neighborhood and not really see much green space,” Miller continued. “That’s a beautiful little spot and to maintain that is greatly appreciated. So congratulations. I’m really impressed with this.”

The project, which includes a rear addition, will be fully electric, LEED Silver certifiable, and will incorporate green building and energy efficient design features.