Old Harbor Housing Project, Public housing complex in South Boston, United States
Old Harbor Housing Project is a public housing complex in South Boston containing 1,016 residential units spread across 22 three-story buildings and 152 row houses on a 27-acre site. The development was designed to provide affordable housing for working families and represents a significant residential community within the neighborhood.
Built during the Great Depression as a Public Works Administration project, this housing development opened in 1938 as New England's first public housing initiative. The project represented a pivotal shift in housing policy and established a model for affordable housing developments across the region.
The complex is named after Mary Ellen McCormack, mother of U.S. House Speaker John McCormack, a choice that reflects the community's ties to local political figures. The buildings embody their purpose through straightforward, functional architecture that residents and visitors can immediately recognize.
The complex sits near the Red Line rapid transit and multiple bus routes, offering convenient transportation options for those living or visiting the area. The infrastructure was designed to provide easy access to jobs and services throughout the city.
The Boston Housing Authority partnered with WinnCompanies in 2017 to undertake a substantial redevelopment that transforms the site into a mixed-income community. This initiative aims to create new opportunities and housing options for residents across different income levels.
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