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Franklin Square Apartments

11 East Newton Street
Boston, MA 02118
  • Franklin Square Apartments exterior
  • Franklin Square Apartments courtyard
  • Franklin Square Apartments community room
  • Franklin Square Apartments community kitchen
  • Franklin Square Apartments library
  • Franklin Square Apartments unit living room
Deal Type: 
Acquisition/Rehab
Year Built: 
1923
Acquisition Date: 
2012
Last Renovation: 
2012
Number of Units: 
193
Tenancy: 
Senior

Franklin Square Apartments, located in Boston’s South End, has had a long history of housing the city’s underserved populations.  Prior to its conversion to housing for the elderly and disabled, the Franklin Square House served as a dormitory for young working woman at the turn of the 20th century when there was little safe and affordable housing for them.

Franklin’s central location in the City of Boston and proximity to major hospitals, entertainment and shopping areas made it a prime candidate for market rate conversion.  The risk of conversion was even more imminent around the time of its sale because the HAP (Section 8) contract and mortgage financing was scheduled to mature in 2018.

One of the six properties in a portfolio purchased by the State Street Development Management Corporation portfolio, the successful acquisition and rehab of the Franklin Square House was dependent on POAH’s ability to acquire all of the properties simultaneously.  The previous owner’s ongoing litigations with its lender created implications to refinancing the portfolio and applying for low income housing tax credit.

Every unit in the property received new windows, kitchens and bathroom.  Upgrades to life safety as well as common area improvements were also include in the renovations.  POAH is most proud of it work to revamped the exterior handicap ramps and create an inviting and cherished outdoor space for its residents.

Franklin Square partners with Boston University students and South End Community Health Center, POAH offers programs such as Free Bread Delivery and Health Screening. 

Project Partners

  • MassHousing
  • Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
  • Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC)
  • US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • The Architectural Team
  • CWC Builders

Awards and Accolades

  • Readers Choice Best Development in Nation (Boston/Cape Cod/Hudson portfolio), Affordable Housing Finance Magazine
  • Honorable Mention, Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards
  • The facade of Franklin Square House was featured in the opening of the 1980s tv series "St. Elsewhere."