PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

4/9/2024

Contact: Emma Balaguer / emma@libertysquaregroup.com

Beacon Communities Celebrates Transformation of Lenox Apartments with Ribbon-Cutting Event

Renovations Breathe New Life into Historic South End Community

BOSTON, MA – Beacon Communities hosted a ribbon-cutting celebrating major upgrades to 285 affordable units located at Lenox Apartments in the South End/Lower Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. The 13-building complex, a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, was originally constructed in 1939 as the first public housing in Boston dedicated to serving African Americans. The renovations made substantial improvements to ensure the preservation and long-term affordability of the property as quality, family housing. The improvements were made possible through State and Federal housing and historic tax credits, and public and private loans.

The extensive upgrades to the community included brand new kitchens, bathrooms and in-unit washers and dryers. This major investment included the transformation of the community building which now includes a computer learning center, music room, fitness center, offices for management and the resident task force. In addition, accessibility, safety and security upgrades were made as well as overall ground improvements including a new playground, a children’s water play area, and bike share stations.

“We are grateful to our partners at the Boston Housing Authority for championing the preservation and renovation of 285 family apartments serving the Roxbury neighborhood,” said Beacon CEO Dara Kovel. “This investment significantly improves the quality of these homes and ensures long-term housing affordability for generations to come.”

“For nine decades, the Lenox community has served to anchor housing affordability for hundreds of families in the South End and Lower Roxbury,” BHA Administrator Kenzie Bok said. “This project has not only given those families better homes and a better quality of life, it has honored the community’s legacy by securing its future.”

For over 80 years, Lenox has served as an African American enclave in Boston. In 2016, Beacon was selected by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) to preserve the long-term affordability of the historic development located in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Boston. Beacon transitioned management responsibilities from the housing authority two years before ownership was transferred. This early transition helped build trust with residents and ensured that resident feedback was incorporated throughout the development process.

“The transformation of Roxbury’s historic Lenox Apartments demonstrates our efforts of making sure Boston is an equitable, accessible city for all walks of life,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We remain committed to preserving the history and character of this community as we invest in the well-being of Lenox residents.”

Funding for Lenox Apartments came together through a combination of federal and state LIHTC and historic tax credits. The Boston Housing Authority provided Section 8 Project Based Vouchers (PBV) in conjunction with MassHousing taxable and tax-exempt bond financing. Almost all units are restricted to households earning 50% Area Median Income (AMI) or below, making them deeply affordable.

“Congratulations to all the residents of Lenox Apartments who now have brand new apartment homes where they can live and prosper in the Roxbury community,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “MassHousing was pleased to be a partner in this transformative effort by Beacon Communities and the Boston Housing Authority to improve and preserve this important affordable housing resource for many years into the future.”

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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 multi-family housing. Their portfolio includes affordable housing, market-rate housing and mixed income-housing. Their developments range from new construction, to historic adaptive reuse, to the renovation of existing housing. They take on challenging developments and make them succeed. Their driving passion is to create well-designed, healthy homes that enhance the neighborhoods in which they are located. For more information about Beacon Communities LLC please visit www.beaconcommunitiesllc.com