High-Profile: June 2026 | Page 11

June 2026 High-Profile: Up-Front 11

Boston – Pennrose and Hyde Square Task Force( HSTF) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Blessed Sacrament redevelopment, which will transform the vacant 1913 historic church in Boston’ s Jamaica Plain neighborhood into a mixeduse, mixed-income development. The community, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, will include 55 affordable apartments and dedicated space for youth arts and cultural programs, as well as community gatherings.

Speakers at the event included Michelle Wu, mayor, City of Boston; Karmen Cheung, regional vice president, Pennrose, LLC; Rebecca Schofield, senior developer, Pennrose, LLC; Celina Miranda, executive director, Hyde Square Task Force; Jennifer Maddox, deputy secretary, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Isabella Loboa Velasquez and Tommy O’ Neil, on behalf of the Office of Senator Edward J. Markey; Sam Montaño, state representative, 15th Suffolk District and board member, Hyde Square Task Force; Nate Robinson, president and CEO, MassDevelopment; Rachel Heller, executive director, Massachusetts Housing Partnership; and Jonathan Block, board member, Hyde Square Task Force.

The new community features a mix of modern studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments available to a wide range of

households at 30 % to 80 % of the Area Median Income( AMI). Of the total units, six will be set aside for formerly homeless residents. Pennrose and HSTF are working with architect DiMella Shaffer to preserve the building’ s historic façade, adapt the church’ s main nave into a 200 + capacity multipurpose performance and community space, and repurpose the building’ s cupola as a community room for residents.

Groundbreaking ceremony

“ The Blessed Sacrament redevelopment is a prime example of how creative, innovative housing solutions can address multifaceted community goals, including preserving an underutilized historic landmark, investing in cultural facilities, and improving housing accessibility,” said Cheung.“ It is an honor to help create much-needed affordable rental housing in a resource-rich, transitoriented neighborhood.”

The project is the result of years-long, cross-sector collaboration and robust community engagement. In 2019, HSTF and the City of Boston completed a Latin Quarter District Plan that identified the local need for mixed-income housing and community space, and HSTF embarked on a community process to determine the redevelopment options for the church to best meet local priorities. Pennrose was selected as the designated developer in mid-2021, undergoing significant stakeholder engagement to inform plans and building design.

Once complete, the revitalized 71,000sf Blessed Sacrament site, which has sat vacant since 2004, will anchor the Latin Quarter and help spur continued investment on Centre Street. HSTF will operate the multipurpose community space and Pennrose Management Company( PMC) will serve as the property manager.

“ Blessed Sacrament Church has long been a symbol of both history and hope for our community,” said Wu.“ The City of Boston is proud to support this redevelopment, which will preserve a cherished historic landmark, create deeply needed affordable housing, and provide a community performance space. This project ensures that the heart of Hyde Square continues to serve as a gathering place for residents for generations to come.”

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