MassHousing and the City of Boston announced the closing of financing to Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. (AHSC) for the consolidation and renovation of two Boston affordable housing communities, Columbia Uphams Apartments and Columbia West Apartments.
The 91-unit Columbia Uphams Apartments involves the combining of the 46-unit Columbia West Apartments and the 45-unit Uphams Corner Market, which are located approximately 0.7 miles apart on Columbia Road in Dorchester. AHSC, which took ownership of the properties in 2019 and 2020, plans more than $19 million in property improvements to the newly constituted housing community that houses formerly homeless, developmentally disabled, and lower-income residents.
“The City is proud to support this important project in Upham’s Corner, ensuring that these housing developments continue to serve Boston’s residents today and for decades to come,” said Sheila A. Dillon, Boston’s Chief of Housing. “The City’s investment will fund the renovation of 91 homes, bringing substantial improvements to health and safety systems while preserving affordable housing for low-income residents. These updates will enhance the living environments for families, older adults, and individuals who have experienced homelessness.”
“MassHousingis pleased to be a partner in consolidating and renovating these two important sources of affordable housing in Dorchester,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “The residents of Columbia Uphams Apartments will soon have newly rehabilitated apartment homes that will provide them housing stability and the opportunity to thrive.”
“I am sincerely grateful to MassHousing, the City of Boston and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for their support of AHSC and our partner, Peabody Properties’ long-term efforts to financially and physically reposition these communities, which will preserve 91 units of affordable housing for families in Dorchester,” said AHSC Executive Director Michael J. Mattos.
Additional funding includes $20.3 million in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credit financing allocated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), $4.5 million in direct support from EOHLC, $3.8 million in Historic Tax Credit financing, $4.6 million in seller financing, $2 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which MassHousing manages on behalf of EOHLC, and a $173,527 sponsor loan. The tax credit investor is Boston Financial Investment Management, LP.
The combined housing offers a wide range of retail and institutional uses along with MBTA bus service to the JFK/UMass station on the Red Line and Commuter Rail. Commuter Rail service is also less than a mile away at the Uphams Corner Commuter Rail station on the Fairmount Line.
Among the planned property improvements are the overall performance of the building envelopes by replacing windows and doors, installing new roofs and roof insulation, new HVAC systems, Energy Star-rated appliances, low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, LED lighting, and a new security system at both properties. Other improvements include new kitchen and bathroom cabinets, countertops and flooring, elevator modernization, and brick repointing at Uphams Corner Market.
All 91 units will be subject to income restrictions ranging from 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) to 60 percent of AMI. Twenty-three units will benefit from project-based rental assistance, of which 14 will have a Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contract with the Boston Housing Authority, eight will benefit from Massachusetts Rental Voucher Programs vouchers, and one will receive rental assistance and 24-hour tenant services through HUD’s Continuum of Care program for homeless individuals and families.
There are 14 studio apartments, 20 one-bedroom apartments, 49 two-bedroom apartments, seven three-bedroom apartments and one four-bedroom apartment.
