BOSTON—Two major housing developments—one in East Boston and the other in the Seaport—have secured key approvals from the Boston Redevelopment Authority and are progressing toward groundbreaking.

Last week, the BRA approved the $400-million Washington Village development in the Andrew Square section of South Boston. The BRA also green-lighted Trinity Financial's $186-million phased redevelopment plan at the Boston Housing Authority's Orient Heights complex in East Boston, as well as the Cronin Group's $260-million condo tower at 150 Seaport Blvd.

The Boston Housing Authority, like similar redevelopments underway in Charlestown and Roxbury, is moving forward with plans to redevelop the 331-unit Orient Heights public housing community. The project, to be developed by Trinity Financial, will be built in phases and will involve the demolition and complete reconstruction of the community.

According to filings with the BRA, Trinity Financial plans to build a total of 373 new housing units, replacing the existing 331 obsolete 1950s-era BHA public housing units with an additional 42 units of non- public housing. The project will feature 194 units in mid-rise buildings and 179 units in townhouses. Construction is expected to begin in the fall on the first phase, which is projected to cost approximately $51 million.

According to the project's Expanded Project Notification Form filed with the BRA in late May of this year, the first phase will include the demolition of five existing buildings at the northern edge of the site along Waldemar Avenue. Construction of 120 new dwelling units will be completed as part of phase one comprised of a mix of mid-rise and townhouses ranging from one- to five-bedroom units.

Funding is still being sought for phases two and three, but Trinity Financial and the BHA hope to begin construction of those phases in 2018 and 2020, respectively, the BRA states. The development is designed by ICON Architecture to be certified LEED silver. The Orient Heights project will also feature a new public park, public plaza, community center, and recreation space.

A fourth and final phase involving the development of 42 units of market rate housing is not expected to begin until at least 2023.

The Cronin Group, owners of the South Boston waterfront restaurants Atlantic Beer Garden and Whiskey Priest, plan to redevelop those properties at 150 Seaport Blvd. with a 22-story, 124-unit condominium building. The plan also includes two floors of retail and restaurant space at the base as well as a 179-space underground garage.

Further regulatory approvals are necessary. The BRA has recommended the state allow the agency to amend the 2000 South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan, which governs the dimensions, uses, and public realm requirements for new developments in this area of the waterfront in order to allow the project to proceed. The tower, designed by Elkus Manfredi, will also provide direct access to the waterfront and will in fact complete the Boston Harborwalk.

In connection with the BRA approval, Cronin Group also intends to partner with the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corp. on a residential project under construction at Pier 4 to fund the creation of 46 units of affordable senior housing. In addition, the developer plans to provide financial support for Martin Richard Park at the Boston Children's Museum, located near the project site, as well as funding to support the build-out of space for the Fort Point Arts Council at the nearby Envoy Hotel.

Steady gains in the US economy have resulted in net positives for the multifamily sector—will this wave continue for the foreseeable future? What's driving development and capital flows? Join us at RealShare Apartments on October 19 & 20 for impactful information from the leaders in the National multifamily space. Learn more.

BOSTON—Two major housing developments—one in East Boston and the other in the Seaport—have secured key approvals from the Boston Redevelopment Authority and are progressing toward groundbreaking.

Last week, the BRA approved the $400-million Washington Village development in the Andrew Square section of South Boston. The BRA also green-lighted Trinity Financial's $186-million phased redevelopment plan at the Boston Housing Authority's Orient Heights complex in East Boston, as well as the Cronin Group's $260-million condo tower at 150 Seaport Blvd.

The Boston Housing Authority, like similar redevelopments underway in Charlestown and Roxbury, is moving forward with plans to redevelop the 331-unit Orient Heights public housing community. The project, to be developed by Trinity Financial, will be built in phases and will involve the demolition and complete reconstruction of the community.

According to filings with the BRA, Trinity Financial plans to build a total of 373 new housing units, replacing the existing 331 obsolete 1950s-era BHA public housing units with an additional 42 units of non- public housing. The project will feature 194 units in mid-rise buildings and 179 units in townhouses. Construction is expected to begin in the fall on the first phase, which is projected to cost approximately $51 million.

According to the project's Expanded Project Notification Form filed with the BRA in late May of this year, the first phase will include the demolition of five existing buildings at the northern edge of the site along Waldemar Avenue. Construction of 120 new dwelling units will be completed as part of phase one comprised of a mix of mid-rise and townhouses ranging from one- to five-bedroom units.

Funding is still being sought for phases two and three, but Trinity Financial and the BHA hope to begin construction of those phases in 2018 and 2020, respectively, the BRA states. The development is designed by ICON Architecture to be certified LEED silver. The Orient Heights project will also feature a new public park, public plaza, community center, and recreation space.

A fourth and final phase involving the development of 42 units of market rate housing is not expected to begin until at least 2023.

The Cronin Group, owners of the South Boston waterfront restaurants Atlantic Beer Garden and Whiskey Priest, plan to redevelop those properties at 150 Seaport Blvd. with a 22-story, 124-unit condominium building. The plan also includes two floors of retail and restaurant space at the base as well as a 179-space underground garage.

Further regulatory approvals are necessary. The BRA has recommended the state allow the agency to amend the 2000 South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan, which governs the dimensions, uses, and public realm requirements for new developments in this area of the waterfront in order to allow the project to proceed. The tower, designed by Elkus Manfredi, will also provide direct access to the waterfront and will in fact complete the Boston Harborwalk.

In connection with the BRA approval, Cronin Group also intends to partner with the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corp. on a residential project under construction at Pier 4 to fund the creation of 46 units of affordable senior housing. In addition, the developer plans to provide financial support for Martin Richard Park at the Boston Children's Museum, located near the project site, as well as funding to support the build-out of space for the Fort Point Arts Council at the nearby Envoy Hotel.

Steady gains in the US economy have resulted in net positives for the multifamily sector—will this wave continue for the foreseeable future? What's driving development and capital flows? Join us at RealShare Apartments on October 19 & 20 for impactful information from the leaders in the National multifamily space. Learn more.