The new 140 Clarendon Street apartments in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, designed by Cambridge-based architecture firm PCA, provide permanent affordable housing with 210 new studio and one-bedroom apartments and a mix of community and amenity spaces. The conversion design doubles the number of apartments in the 1929 building while keeping several existing cultural and educational tenants in the multi-use building.
Developed by Beacon Communities in collaboration with The Mount Vernon Company, 140 Clarendon reimagines the Back Bay’s 13-story former YWCA. Dubbed “The Miracle on Clarendon” by the Boston Globe, the ambitious project arose from a collaborative effort by a team of development partners, architects, builders, funders, and neighbors. The property is managed by Beacon Residential Management. Pine Street Inn provides services for the 111 households who have experienced homelessness under the national Housing First model.
“The success of 140 Clarendon Street provides an inspired example of how public and private partners can collaborate behind a shared vision and solve seemingly insurmountable challenges,” said Darcy Jameson, Vice President of Development for Beacon Communities.
MEETING THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE TENANT MIX
Of the 210 apartments, 111 are designated for residents transitioning from unhoused to permanent housing. The remaining 99 affordable apartments are reserved for income-eligible households.
One major concern for the design team was reconfiguring the former hotel floor plates to meet the space needs and program essentials for a diverse mix of occupants. For example, the former YWCA floor plates had no kitchens, whereas all the new units required kitchens.
Nidhi John, AIA, a Principal with PCA and lead architect for the project, said, “Moving the project through its design and construction phases as quickly as we did reinforced the commitment of all our stakeholders to creating urgently needed housing for the most vulnerable among us.”
SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED BY PINE STREET INN
Pine Street Inn staff provides social and supportive services for the 111 residents transitioning to permanent housing. This nationally renowned nonprofit partners with people experiencing homelessness to help them move from the streets and shelters to permanent supported housing with wrap-around case management services.
“PCA’s work on 140 Clarendon Street is informed by their deep understanding of how to create affordable housing that meets a wide range of occupant needs,” said Jan Griffin, Vice President of Housing for Pine Street Inn. “The design provides a welcoming, accessible, and supportive experience in the building's individual apartments and community spaces. It supports our program goals and helps our residents thrive as they transition to permanent housing.”
TENANTS REMAINED IN PLACE DURING CONSTRUCTION
140 Clarendon’s existing residents and tenants remained in the building throughout construction, a challenge that necessitated a complex phasing of the renovation work. These tenants include individual residents, and the YWCA (the original building owner, which called 140 Clarendon home for almost a century), The Lyric Stage Company, the City of Boston Snowden International School, and Viga Eatery.
“We hear a lot from tenants and visitors about how the building is distinctive, and not at all institutional in its look and feel,” said PCA’s John. “From the lobby to the comfortable lounges on each floor, to the unique design and layout of each apartment, the occupant experience is warm and welcoming throughout. That is what we were aiming to achieve – a strong sense of home and belonging for everyone.”
140 CLARENDON BUILDING TEAM
Developers: Beacon Communities, The Mount Vernon Company
Owner’s project management: WaypointKLA
Architect: PCA
Interiors: PCA & Beacon Concepts
Structural engineer: Odeh Engineers
Civil engineer: Nitsch Engineering
MEP/FP engineer: Petersen Engineering
Exterior envelope: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Historic consultant: Ryan LLC
Construction manager:: NEI General Contracting
ABOUT PCA
Founded in 1982, PCA is one of New England's most creative and innovative design firms. With expertise in architecture, planning, and interior design, PCA teams provide thoughtful, award-winning designs for hospitality, housing, retail, higher education, and mixed-use clients — making places that thrive in the marketplace and bring lasting value to the community.
ABOUT BEACON COMMUNITIES LLC
Beacon Communities LLC is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multifamily housing, including affordable, market-rate, and mixed income-housing, from new construction to historic adaptive reuse, to the renovation of existing housing.
ABOUT PINE STREET INN
Pine Street Inn partners with homeless individuals to help them move from the streets and shelter to a home and assists formerly homeless individuals in retaining housing. Pine Street Inn provides street outreach, emergency services, supportive housing, job training, and connections to employment.
ABOUT THE MOUNT VERNON COMPANY
The Mount Vernon Company, a real estate investment company founded by Bruce A. Percelay, has grown over the past 30 years to include 1,600 apartments, five hotels, and select commercial and vacation properties. Mount Vernon Company received the Community Excellence Award from the Rental Housing Association of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, the Paragon Award for Industry Excellence by the National Apartment Association, and the Best Landlord in Boston recognition by Boston Magazine.
Related Stories
MFPRO+ News | Dec 11, 2023
U.S. poorly prepared to house growing number of older adults
The U.S. is ill-prepared to provide adequate housing for the growing ranks of older people, according to a report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Over the next decade, the U.S. population older than 75 will increase by 45%, growing from 17 million to nearly 25 million, with many expected to struggle financially.
MFPRO+ News | Dec 7, 2023
7 key predictions for the 2024 multifamily rental housing market
2024 will be the strongest year for new apartment construction in decades, says Apartment List's chief economist.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2023
New York City aims to spur construction of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
To address a serious housing shortage, New York City is trying to get more homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The city recently unveiled a program that offers owners of single-family homes up to nearly $400,000 to construct an apartment on their property.
MFPRO+ News | Dec 5, 2023
DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home Multifamily Version 2 released
The U.S. Department of Energy has released Zero Energy Ready Home Multifamily Version 2. The latest version of the certification program increases energy efficiency and performance levels, adds electric readiness, and makes compliance pathways and the certification process more consistent with the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC) program.
Transit Facilities | Dec 4, 2023
6 guideposts for cities to create equitable transit-oriented developments
Austin, Texas, has developed an ETOD Policy Toolkit Study to make transit-oriented developments more equitable for current and future residents and businesses.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 30, 2023
A lasting housing impact: Gen-Z redefines multifamily living
Nathan Casteel, Design Leader, DLR Group, details what sets an apartment community apart for younger generations.
Products and Materials | Nov 30, 2023
Top building products for November 2023
BD+C Editors break down 15 of the top building products this month, from horizontal sliding windows to discreet indoor air infusers.
Engineers | Nov 27, 2023
Kimley-Horn eliminates the guesswork of electric vehicle charger site selection
Private businesses and governments can now choose their new electric vehicle (EV) charger locations with data-driven precision. Kimley-Horn, the national engineering, planning, and design consulting firm, today launched TREDLite EV, a cloud-based tool that helps organizations develop and optimize their EV charger deployment strategies based on the organization’s unique priorities.
MFPRO+ Blog | Nov 27, 2023
7 ways multifamily designers can promote wellness in urban communities
Shepley Bulfinch's Natalie Shutt-Banks, AIA, identifies design elements that multifamily developers can use to maximize space while creating a positive impact on residents and the planet
MFPRO+ New Projects | Nov 21, 2023
An 'eco-obsessed' multifamily housing project takes advantage of downtown Austin’s small lots
In downtown Austin, Tex., architecture firm McKinney York says it built Capitol Quarters to be “eco-obsessed, not just eco-minded.” With airtight walls, better insulation, and super-efficient VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems, Capitol Quarters uses 30% less energy than other living spaces in Austin, according to a statement from McKinney York.