West End Library (Housing with Public Assets)
Neighborhood
Councilor
Units Total
Income-Restricted Units
Property Size
Developer
Preservation of Affordable Housing POAH, LLC
Project Goals
The City of Boston has tentatively designated the development team of Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Caste Capital to redevelop the West End branch of the Boston Public Library on Cambridge Street. The redevelopment will include a new two-story branch library and 119 income-restricted units of housing above the library through the Housing with Public Assets initiative, an innovative new program designed to maximize the use of municipal properties for the public good. In addition to 119 transit-oriented, income-restricted apartments above the library space, the project will deliver open space and amenities for library visitors, building residents, and the public. The goal of the project is not only to expand the library’s size and offerings, but also to address the growing demand to create more income-restricted housing. The development team will prioritize community input, including the needs and preferences of residents, to create an inclusive environment for all. The new building will be all-electric and designed to minimize the carbon footprint of both the housing and library, in alignment with the City of Boston’s climate goals and commitment to sustainability.
Timeline
Winter 2023
Community Feedback
We’re meeting with community members to gather feedback on plans for the site.
Jun 02 2022
Jun 14 2022
41 ATTENDEES
Jun 15 2022
Jul 28 2022
Aug 01 2022
Oct 26 2022
60 ATTENDEES
Jan 10 2023
79 ATTENDEES
Spring 2023
Developer Selection
We’ll release a Request for Proposals and select a developer for this site.
Apr 3, 2023
Request for Proposals (RFP) Opened for Bidding
Apr 28 2023
50 ATTENDEES
Jul 18 2023
178 ATTENDEES
Jul 25 2023
232 ATTENDEES
Winter 2023
City Planning
This project is going through a zoning review with the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA). Then we’ll work with the Developer on funding, design, and compliance.