One of Worcester’s largest affordable housing redevelopment projects reachs a major milestone this week as city, state and housing officials gather to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the former Curtis Apartments transformation in Great Brook Valley.
The Worcester Housing Authority and Trinity Financial hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, June 5, at 12:30 p.m. for the first phase of the redevelopment, which has created 129 new affordable housing units on a site that once housed aging public housing buildings dating back to the early 1950s. The ceremony walso includes the unveiling of a new name for the development, replacing the Curtis Apartments designation that has been associated with the property for decades.
The project is part of a long-term effort to replace the former 372-unit Curtis Apartments complex with a modern mixed-income community that will ultimately include 527 apartments, along with new community spaces, improved infrastructure and expanded services for residents.
Officials say the redevelopment represents one of the most significant affordable housing investments currently underway in Worcester, a city that continues to grapple with rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable units.
Originally built to house returning World War II veterans and their families, Curtis Apartments became one of the Worcester Housing Authority’s oldest properties. By the time redevelopment plans were approved, many of the concrete and masonry buildings lacked modern amenities, including elevators, sprinklers and accessible features.
The first phase is the beginning of a four-phase redevelopment expected to continue into the next decade. When complete, the project will replace every existing public housing unit while adding 155 new apartments for households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income.
In addition to new housing, the redevelopment plan includes a range of neighborhood improvements. Future phases bring a public town green, park and playground areas, new roads and walkways, expanded parking, and renovations to the Great Brook Valley Branch Library.
The project also includes creation of an Economic Opportunity Center that houses property management offices and provide workforce development, self-sufficiency and supportive service programs for residents and neighborhood families.
According to project materials, the redevelopment is being designed with sustainability in mind. The first phase is being built to LEED Gold and Enterprise Green Communities standards, while future phases are expected to pursue Passive House certification, a rigorous energy-efficiency benchmark.
Officials say the redevelopment has been years in the making and reflects collaboration among the Worcester Housing Authority, Trinity Financial, public agencies, private investors and community partners focused on expanding affordable housing opportunities in Worcester.
