Heritage Apartments set for $15.7 million in upgrades

The Boston Redevelopment Authority Board has approved $15.7 million in upgrades to the existing Heritage Apartment complex in East Boston.

The Heritage is a 294-unit public housing development bordered by Sumner Street, South Bremen Street, Father Jacobbe Lane, and the Lewis Mall waterfront located at 209 Sumner Street.

All of the buildings are designated for elderly and disabled residents except for 20 townhouse units known as the Clippership units along Clippership Lane. The planned renovations involve the exterior envelopes of the mid-rise buildings being rebuilt to resolve masonry and energy problems.

There is no zoning approval needed for the project, rather large project review was required due to the substantial rehabilitation of the buildings.

The rehabilitation is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2011 with an estimated completion date in the fourth quarter of 2012

The Heritage has long been a welcoming community that offers a variety of living arrangements for low- and moderate-income elderly and disabled persons. Heritage offers efficiency, one- and two-bedroom apartments in garden-style, elevator-equipped buildings. The complex is ideally located directly on Boston Harbor with views of the city.

Heritage is quite picturesque with apartment buildings surrounding courtyards, a fountain, and gardens.

Residents pay 30 percent of their income towards rent, prorated rent, or a predetermined flat rent.

Since being built Heritage has offered a wide range of amenities, programs, and services like 24-hour security, laundry facilities, community room with kitchen serving lunch five days a week, common and recreational areas throughout the complex. Programs provided by East Boston Community Health Center and many social activities ranging from bingo, movies, trips, a walking club, international programs, coffee hours, arts and crafts program and parties.

The development team for the project includes the Boston Housing Authority, as the owner/developer; Mostue & Associates, Architects, Inc. as the project architect; Wozny Barber & Associates as the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer; and Devellis Zrein, Inc. as the civil engineer.