Beverly, MA – Harborlight Homes (formerly Harborlight Community Partners), in partnership with SV Design, Groom Construction and the City of Beverly, celebrated the opening of Anchor Point (Phase 1), a 77-unit affordable housing community at 108 Sohier Road in Beverly, with a ribbon cutting on July 29.
Under construction for the past year and under development for more than five years, this celebration coincides with the completion of Phase 1, 38 affordable apartment homes on a 5-acre development serving essential workers and their families, as well as families affected by homelessness. Phase 2 will add an additional 39 homes.
Ribbon cutting for Anchor Point
The project is result of a Memorandum of Understanding entered into by the mayors of Beverly, Salem and Peabody to create more affordable homes in these communities. A local zoning adoption in favor of multi-family housing led to this community asset that creates homes for families who would otherwise be displaced by out of reach market rate rents on the North Shore.
“Anchor Point is the manifestation of what we at Harborlight believe affordable homes should be: beautiful, energy efficient, dignified, service enriched, and economically accessible,” said Andrew DeFranza, executive director for Harborlight Homes. “Workers we rely on every day cannot afford to live here. This challenges us to create spaces that mitigate housing insecurity and promote equity and inclusion in our region. Anchor Point achieves this, while also serving as an example of how bold, local action can uplift our communities overall.”
Anchor Point will open its doors to new residents in August. The two- and three-bedroom units are designed with energy efficient appliances, windows, and lighting; high efficiency heating and cooling systems; solar panels; and water conservation sensor fixtures.
Depending on the availability of state funding, Phase 2 is anticipated to break ground in 2023 with construction of the remaining 39 units. An additional third building on the campus, The Lighthouse Center (TLC), will be the heart of Anchor Point, providing on-site childcare, after school programming, adult education, a teaching kitchen, financial counseling, health care visits and more. The campus, along with TLC, will offer community gathering areas, playgrounds, walking paths, community gardens, and a playing field.
“Communities that combine quality living with on-site skilled services are a focus for our company and something that we hope to develop more of in the future,” said David Groom, principal at Groom Construction. “We are proud to partner once again with Harborlight Community Partners and the SV Design team on such an impactful project for our community. “
