An adaptive-reuse project will bring much-needed mixed-income housing to Templeton, Massachusetts. MPZ Development and Capstone Communities have broken ground on the Baldwinville redevelopment project, which they say is the first multifamily housing project permitted in the Worcester County town in over 25 years.
The development team will repurpose the historic Baldwinville Elementary School, which was built in 1923, transforming it as well as creating an addition that will be Enterprise Green Communities certified as well as built to passive house standards.
The 54 apartments, 49 of which will be affordable for households earning at or below 30% to 60% of the area median income, will include several floor plans from lofts and studios up to three-bedrooms.
“We’re proud to breathe new life to this historic school building and bring deeply affordable housing to Templeton,” said Capstone principal Jason Korb and MPZ principal Mathieu P. Zahler. “Baldwinville School Apartments is a reflection of what’s possible through collaboration, both locally and throughout the commonwealth. We hope that this project will support Templeton through thoughtful and purposeful redevelopment.”
The development will offer amenities such as an outdoor courtyard, community green space, a playground, a fitness center, electric-vehicle charging stations, and a walking trail leading to an overlook of the nearby Otter River.
Partners on the development include architect ICON Architecture and general contractor Callahan Construction Managers.
Financing for the project was provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing, Rockland Trust, National Equity Fund, Massachusetts Historical Commission, and The Life Initiative. In addition, it received $1.9 million in funding through the Community Preservation Act through Templeton’s Community Preservation Committee as well as $750,000 from the Underutilized Properties Program through the commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth awards administered through MassDevelopment.
“MassHousing is pleased to be part of this transformative project with a talented development team and very strong support from the town of Templeton that will create 54 brand-new rental homes for residents with a range of incomes,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “This development is going to breathe new life and vibrancy into the building that will continue to serve the community for many more years to come.”
