Dream now reality as Olmsted Green rises

Serghino René

Olmstead Green, a new mixed use development, is rising on the old Boston State Hospital property, the 175-acre site near Franklin Park long-known for its failed proposals and bungled dreams.

“We have housing for the rich, as well as the poor,” says Jerome Rappaport Jr., president and CEO of the New Boston Fund.

Given the high cost of housing here in Boston, Rappaport said Olmstead Green is a start in providing middle-class Bostonians a way to still live in the city at an affordable price. He pointed out that there are a number of high-end housing developments — for those who can afford it — as well as a good amount of subsidized housing in the city. But for those families who make too much to qualify for subsidized housing and don’t make enough to afford high-end homes, they are often left in the cold.

“This give people the opportunity to stay in the city, rather than seek refuge in the suburbs,” says E. Lorrain Baugh, president of Lena Park Community Development Corporation.

The $150 million project is expected to take five years to complete and potential homeowners are expected to start buying as early as July 4. The 42-acre mixed use, mixed income community will have more than 500 units of new housing.

The question is whether Olmsted Green can be marketed and sold to working class people and thus improve the socioeconomic development of the neighboring boroughs — Roxbury, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Hyde Park and Roslindale.

“We have a social responsibility to do something about the social ills, the issues of affordable housing, rentals and home ownership in our community,” Baugh says. “Now, we have an opportunity to create someplace that is mind blowing.”

The first phase of the development will be the construction of 72 new homes for sale, 51 units of affordable rentals and a community center. In addition, there are plans to develop senior housing, a health and fitness facility, accommodations for patients with mental illness and the renovation and expansion of Lena Park — a $15 million capital campaign.

In time, the majority of the homes at Olmsted Green will be low-rise townhouses set in clusters of six to eight units. An expected 287 market-rate condominiums between $200,000 and $400,000 will also be on sale. There will be about 150 units of affordable rentals and 83 units for senior apartments, the developers explained.

Not only are Lena Park CDC and the New Boston Fund looking to revitalize the community, but they are making efforts to work from within to help make that transition and change possible. The development is expected to create more than 400 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions.

The Economic Development Job Advancement Center will be a component of the new and expanded Lena Park, which will offer job training for teens and adults. There will be a number of pilot programs with special focus on construction, nursing and hotel management.

“We are sticking to our social responsibility and allowing people to advance in the job market,” says Baugh.

And enjoy city life. Set in the heart of Boston, Olmsted Green offers easy access to Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park and the New England Zoo.

In keeping with Fredrick Law Olmsted’s theme of preserving nature and understanding the value of green space, Olmsted Green’s design is based on principles of sustainability, conservation of resources and low-impact development. The buildings are designed with energy efficient “green” building system that is complete with Energy Star appliances, energy efficient windows and prime insulation.

“Our design philosophy is based on preserving what is around us and using to our advantage,” says Baugh. “Franklin Park is part of the heart of the city and the jewel at the end of the necklace will be Olmsted Green.”