On Wednesday, March 27
th, Adelaide Grady, Senior Vice President, Partner at Leggat McCall Properties, shared valuable insights into the ongoing redevelopment of Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts at our March Luncheon Program. This pioneering public-private partnership, in collaboration with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and the city, aims to replace the 1942 public housing project with a sustainable, mixed-income community that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding urban fabric.
The project scope includes the demolition of the existing 1,100 unit BHA site and the construction of 2,699 mixed income residential units, approx. 73,000 square feet of retail/civic, off-street parking, and new public open space. By employing innovative construction techniques, such as using cross laminated timber and off-site construction, the development team reconciled the city’s urban planning goals with the need for low-carbon, cost-efficient construction. Moreover, the redevelopment plan carefully considers the existing landscape, preserving and incorporating mature trees that are evenly distributed across the site. The team has placed strong emphasis on sustainability, aiming to achieve passive house standards in the new buildings.
The Bunker Hill Redevelopment project will deliver numerous public benefits, including 7 acres of open space, job creation, and improved infrastructure. Despite the challenges of securing private capital for such projects, the development team remains committed to creating a stable, supportive, and thriving community in the heart of Charlestown.