Old Colony

Boston, MA

Old Colony is typical of numerous successful master plans done by TDA to redevelop urban public housing communities. Prior to applying for HUD funding, public housing authorities must develop a consensus vision and secure resident support through a series of structured interactions.

TDA has developed over twenty-five such plans, seven in Boston alone. The intent of these initiatives is to integrate social service improvements into an overall revitalization plan that attracts support from funding agencies, while simultaneously defining the role of residents in the implementation process.

Old Colony consists of 800 units of obsolete family housing on a prime site with harbor views in South Boston. TDA was asked by the Boston Housing Authority to prepare conceptual plans for overall redevelopment that result in 1 for 1 replacement of this major housing resource.

With demolition and site preparation costs escalating dramatically and with re-use of structures an important aspect of sustainability TDA developed prototype designs for dramatic building reconstruction to help determine if rehabilitation is a preferred implementation strategy. Working with the BHA's Asset Management Office and construction cost estimators, we reviewed preliminary data that suggests a 15%-17% cost reduction for rehabilitation over new construction. The preliminary master site plan suggests a mix of rehabilitation and new construction, expanding the types of housing opportunities.

Construction Info

Client -  Boston Housing Authority

Construction Cost - N/A

Date of Completion - 2010