Boston – A grand opening was recently held for 140 Clarendon Street apartments in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, designed by Cambridge-based architecture firm PCA. The affordable housing complex includes 210 new studio and one-bedroom apartments and a mix of community and amenity spaces. The conversion design doubles the number of apartments in the 1929 building while keeping several existing cultural and educational tenants in the multi-use building.
Developed by Beacon Communities in collaboration with The Mount Vernon Company, 140 Clarendon reimagines the Back Bay’s 13-story former YWCA. One notable challenge for the design team was reconfiguring the former hotel floor plates to meet the diverse space needs and program essentials for a diverse mix of occupants. Of the 210 apartments, 111 are designated for residents transitioning from unhoused to permanent housing. The remaining 99 affordable apartments are reserved for income-eligible households. The property is managed by Beacon Residential Management.
Nidhi John, AIA, a principal with PCA and lead architect for the project, said, “It was such a heartwarming experience working with this incredible development team and city and state officials on the design, and creatively resolving the countless challenges we encountered. Moving the project through its design and construction phases as quickly as we did reinforced the commitment of all our stakeholders to creating urgently needed housing for the most vulnerable among us.”
Pine Street Inn staff provide services for the 111 households who have experienced homelessness under the national Housing First model. The nonprofit partners with people experiencing homelessness to help them move from the streets and shelters to permanent supported housing with wrap-around case management services.
Jan Griffin, vice president of housing for Pine Street Inn, said, “PCA’s work on 140 Clarendon Street is informed by their deep understanding of how to create affordable housing that meets a wide range of occupant needs. The design provides a welcoming, accessible, and supportive experience in the building’s individual apartments and community spaces. It supports our program goals and helps our residents thrive as they transition to permanent housing.”
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“The success of 140 Clarendon Street provides an inspired example of how public and private partners can collaborate behind a shared vision and solve seemingly insurmountable challenges,” said Darcy Jameson, vice president of development for Beacon Communities. “From the start, the city and state’s political leadership, in collaboration with Beacon and Pine Street Inn, worked together to create and preserve affordable housing for those who are most vulnerable.”
