Upper Washington housing project – Rendering by Utile Inc.
Boston – Nauset Construction and Vietnamese American Initiative for Development, Inc. (Viet-AID) celebrated the groundbreaking this week for the Upper Washington project, a 48,000sf mixed-use development that will provide 35 units of family affordable housing in Dorchester’s Four Corners neighborhood.
The ceremony was highlighted by a special appearance from Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, community partners, project lenders, as well as other local, city, and state dignitaries.
Designed by Utile Inc., this development is located on nine city lots and one private lot, and includes one three-story, 16,000sf and one four-story, 31,775sf building on Washington Street. Both buildings will feature first-floor commercial and community space totaling approximately 3,600sf.
The buildings will be composed of structural steel frame construction on the first floor with wood-framed construction above.
The project is seeking LEED Certification by incorporating many sustainable elements.
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One building will house 23 residential units and the other 12 units. The unit mix will include four one-bedroom residences, 21 two-bedroom residences, and 10 three- bedroom residences, with nine of the units reserved for formerly homeless families.
The project’s scope of work also includes extensive site work including an onsite playground and 25 parking spaces.
Sustainable elements include photovoltaic cells into the EPDM roofing, high-performance insulation, energy efficient MEP systems and reclaimed materials from the demolition of an existing structure on the property.
“This project aligns well with our extensive multi-unit residential and mixed-use experience with sustainable, tight urban infill developments.” said Nauset Construction President Anthony Papantonis. “And we are proud to be part of the team that is helping the City of Boston achieve its affordable housing initiatives.”
In addition to Mayor Walsh, other attendees included City of Boston officials, as well as representatives from the Greater Four Corners Action Coalition, Four Corners Main Street, the Fairmount Collaborative, VietAID and the project team from Nauset Construction and Utile Inc. “This project is an example of how we can all work together in partnership, particularly the city the state and the community,” said Mayor Walsh. “And that’s what’s important. It drives my housing plan, it drives what the Governor wants to do on a statewide level, and it really is about creating partnerships.”
