With the COVID-19 pandemic putting a halt to all construction projects until recently, the East Boston Neighborhood of Affordable (NOAH) was excited to announce that it had broken ground last week on Phase I of its Condor Street project.
The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) approved the development project dubbed the “Aileron” will bring 40 mixed-use, mixed-income, ownership/rental housing units to Eastie along with gallery spaces for the neighborhood’s artist community.
Phase I of the project will construct the first seven mixed-income condo units at the Condor Street parcel.
“NOAH is happy to announce that we just broke ground on Phase 1 of Aileron with 7 mixed-income condos,” said NOAH Executive Director Phil Giffee. “We are very excited to get moving and are looking forward to a successful project. Thank you to the City of Boston, Department of Neighborhood Development, Landmark Structures Corporation, and Joy Street Design for all of your hard work.”
According to BPDA filings the Aileron, located on approximately 26,250 square feet of vacant land, at 131-151 Condor Street in the Eagle Hill will consist of approximately 49,750 square foot mixed-use, mixed-income development that includes two buildings. There will be a total of forty residential units, artist studios, a work bar/gallery space, community studio space and a workshop. The project includes 35 off-street vehicle parking spaces, and at least 40 on-site bicycle storage spaces. Twenty-eight of the units will be income-restricted under the BPDA’s inclusionary policy.
Giffee said NOAH named the project Aileron because it will help the area take flight economically and culturally.
The proposed gallery and workbar will be available for residents in the building and are designed as communal spaces–not be strictly artist work spaces.
The proposed gallery space will have wireless internet access, mirrored walls and perhaps a gas-fed fireplace. NOAH envisions a comfortable, neatly appointed space where there can be conversion, communication and community for artists. Giffee said neighborhood residents who are interested in having a space to work can access this space as well. Also, there will be an open streetscape concept in the rental building that will highlight public studio and gallery spaces on the ground floor.
The vacant land was previously owned by BPDA, and was transferred to the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) in 2017 for disposition in support of affordable housing. Last month, Mayor Walsh announced that the project has received Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to support affordable housing.