With the massive amount of urban
growth over the last few years, Boston and surrounding areas have
started to planinnovative ways to supply housing.
There simply are notenough places
zoned to support the amount of growth that the city is expected to
see in the next 15 years. The Mass Smart Growth Alliance and Mayors
administration believe that by the year 2030 there needs to be over
fifty thousand housing units to keep up with this growth. That
being said, Boston Real Estate developers have revolutionized the
way they handle this opportunity.
Currently, developers are
transforming underutilized properties to create new and improved
apartments, condominiums and mixed-use buildings. Whether it be old
churches, office buildings, warehouses or old fire stations, these
vacant buildings should not and will not go to waste!
In Belmont, a family now
calls a 4,300 square feet former fire station home. The two truck
bays were converted into a family room and garage. The brick tower,
once used to hang dry fire hoses, is now three stacked
rooms.
The Holy Trinity German Catholic Church
on Shawmut Avenue in the South End will be
transformed into an eight-story glass and steel apartment building.
With the contemporary feel, some original structures such as the
Gothic-style puddingstone structure will remain intact not
completely discarding the amazing architecture built in 1877. There
will be 33 condominiums with the lower units boasting Gothic-arched
window openings. And yes, the church tower will be a part of this
new development!
In Bostons Back Bay
neighborhood, the former headquarters of Boston Consolidated Gas
Co. is being transformed to 128 residential housing units. The
developers decided they want the building to feel old and new
keeping the aesthetic balance. In the public spaces, aspects such
as elevator doors and fireplace will stay put.
Lastly in Medford, a city just
outside of Boston, an old Catholic elementary school will be
transformed into more condominium units. The former school of St.
Francis of Assisi Church will be converted into nine triplexes and
nine flats. Most of these units will have roof decks that look
towards Boston so residents can enjoy beautiful city views.
For more information or to
see other buildings
that have been or will be transformed visit BostonGlobe.com