WORCESTER—The Worcester Housing Authority’s decades-old Lakeside Apartments complex is getting another major boost toward its long-awaited transformation.
The WHA and its development partners, Tremont Development Partners and E3 Development, have been awarded a $2 million grant through the state’s Community One Stop for Growth program to support Phase 3 of the massive Lakeside redevelopment project. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announced the award Nov. 6 in Monson as part of $179 million in statewide grants distributed to 314 projects.
Built more than 75 years ago, Lakeside Apartments is Worcester’s oldest public housing development. The current units—202 in total—have long been considered outdated and in need of full modernization. When redevelopment is complete, the project will include 350 rental units and 10 condominiums for sale to residents earning up to 80 percent of area median income.
WHA CEO Alex Corrales called the award another step toward revitalizing the property and expanding the city’s affordable housing supply.
“Every aspect of the redevelopment of Lakeside Apartments,” said Corrales, “from the design to the funding and beyond exemplifies the very best of what can be done when private and public partners stand committed to a common goal.”
According to the release, Phase 3 of the redevelopment include demolition of 65 units and the construction of 104 new ones, including 10 wheelchair-accessible apartments. The phase will feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
The Lakeside project aligns with Gov. Maura Healey’s broader push to expand affordable housing statewide. “These grants will help communities build housing, lower costs, improve road safety, revitalize downtowns, create jobs and more,” Healey said in a statement.
Lt. Gov. Driscoll added that programs like the One Stop “help communities bring their vision for economic growth to life,” citing affordability and quality of life as key state priorities.
Developers Rich Mazzocchi of Tremont Development Partners and Eliza Datta of E3 Development said in the release that the project would not have been possible without support from the state, local leaders, and the Worcester Housing Authority.
“Without the support of Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and many other partners, this project would not have seen the light of day,” they said.
Once complete, the new Lakeside Apartments will not only modernize Worcester’s public housing stock but also introduce new affordable homeownership opportunities—a rarity in the city’s tight housing market.
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