Parkway 1208 is a 60-unit, mixed-income housing development in West Roxbury, Mass., that provides affordable homes for working families. Developed by B’nai B’rith Housing, the project transformed a previously planned market-rate condominium building into a mixed-income rental community. As the first new affordable housing development in West Roxbury in over a decade, Parkway 1208 reflects the power of adaptive development and cross-sector collaboration to deliver high-quality homes in an area historically underserved by income-restricted housing.
Parkway 1208 addresses this issue by providing 60 permanently income-restricted one- to three-bedroom apartments for families earning up to 60% and 90% of the annual median income, including individuals transitioning from homelessness.
The project was financed through a complex public-private partnership. This included funds from the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Housing, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing funding and mortgage financing, the federal HOME program, tax equity from Boston Financial Investment Management, and construction financing from Eastern Bank.
A significant challenge was adapting the project from a condo concept to an affordable rental community without restarting the entitlement process. The development team also had to overcome material delays and labor shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Parkway 1208 was completed on schedule and within budget.
Parkway 1208 showcases livable, sustainable, and family-oriented design. On-site amenities include a community room with a fireplace and kitchen, a homework/craft room, a Zoom room, an indoor fitness center, a children’s play area, and a community garden. Additionally, there is a laundry room on every floor, a package room, bike storage, a pet wash station, and EV charging stations in the 60-space parking area.
Designed to LEED Gold standards, the building features Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems and green-space integration. Its three-story scale and classic exterior design help it blend into the surrounding neighborhood. Parkway 1208 is located within walking distance of the West Roxbury MBTA Commuter Rail station and multiple bus lines, promoting car-free living.
Through proactive outreach, the development was able to gain strong community support and is now considered a “community anchor” that adds to the neighborhood’s income diversity.
Peabody Properties Inc. serves as the professional property manager, and the management team successfully conducted a marketing campaign and housing lottery that received nearly 5,000 applications, resulting in the property being fully leased within months. An on-site resident service coordinator helps households, especially those transitioning from homelessness, access necessary resources like employment services and financial literacy workshops.
The management team’s ability to serve a mixed-income population with varying needs requires “nuanced engagement and programmatic equity.” This challenge is addressed through inclusive programming and consistent communication. Additionally, the service coordinator works to foster a cohesive sense of community among residents through events and services. Programs include employment services, financial literacy workshops, food security programs, a community garden, and shared amenity spaces. Parkway 1208 also features a pet-friendly design, accessible units and child-centered amenities. It is located near schools, grocery stores, parks and public transit.
The development has been warmly welcomed by neighborhood institutions, including Catholic Memorial School, and city leaders have praised its success as a model for equitable development.