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Kenmore Abbey

488 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
  • Kenmore Abbey exterior close up
  • Kenmore Abbey entrance
  • Kenmore Abbey entrance
  • Kenmore Abbey front facade
  • Kenmore Abbey whole exterior from across street
  • Kenmore Abbey living room
  • Kenmore Abbey interior entrance lobby
  • Kenmore Abbey unit dining room
  • Kenmore Abbey community computer room
  • Kenmore Abbey gym
Deal Type: 
Acquisition/Rehab
Year Built: 
1915
Acquisition Date: 
2012
Last Renovation: 
2013
Number of Units: 
199
Tenancy: 
Senior

The Kenmore Abbey Apartments is a 199-unit senior rental community in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, located steps away from Fenway Park. The historic property was constructed as a hotel in the late 1890s and was converted to its current use in 1984. Kenmore Abbey comprises two brownstone buildings that are architecturally significant and are connected by a footbridge between their second floors. Kenmore Abbey is a 100% senior Section 8 property with a very strong waiting list for occupancy.

Kenmore Abbey is one of the six Massachusetts properties acquired by Preservation of Affordable Housing from State Street Development Corporation in the summer of 2012.  Kenmore Abbey’s proximity to Boston University and Fenway Park made it susceptible to market rate conversion in 2014 when restrictions would have expired.

POAH made investments in energy efficiency installations and renovations as part of its corporate commitment to stewardship of the environment  including new windows and a new solar hot water system. Other renovations included a new, common entry for all residents that is handicap accessible, a new computer room/training center for residents, and a new fitness center for residents. The POAH Communities management team collaborates with Boston University students and Northeastern University to provide free bread delivery, P.T. Education, and other programming to the senior residents of Kenmore Abbey.

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Kenmore Abbey in Boston, MA

Project Partners

  • Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
  • MassHousing
  • Boston Private Bank & Trust Company
  • US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC)
  • CWC Builders
  • The Architectural Team

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