A new program aims to make housing more affordable for Massachusetts’ residents who don’t qualify for typical low-income programs. MassHousing’s $100 million Workforce Housing Initiative, announced in May by Governor Charlie Baker, targets individuals and families with incomes between 61% and 120% of area median income (AMI), and provides subsidies to create 1,000 new units of workforce housing statewide.
Designed by The Architectural Team, the state’s first-ever multifamily project funded by the Workforce Housing Initiative is the 71-unit Gateway North on Washington in Lynn, Mass. The project team’s aim is to provide high-quality housing within close proximity to transportation for low- and middle-income households.
“As housing costs continue to rise, middle-income residents are being priced out of communities where they want to live, and Gateway North is a prime example of how new housing can accommodate a range of residents’ incomes,” says Tim Sullivan, executive director of MassHousing.
The project has received $21 million in financing, including resources from MassHousing’s Housing Opportunity Fund to ensure that 10 units are reserved for middle-income households. The 10 apartments will be reserved for households earning 70% of the area median income (AMI). The project — part of a long-term urban design masterplan for the city of Lynn — will provide housing for people of varied demographics that don’t qualify for existing affordable housing programs.
The building site, which is situated in a newly designated FEMA flood zone, requires a waterfront resiliency design solution. With expertise in waterfront developments, including Boston’s Battery Wharf and the recently completed Lovejoy Wharf — TAT will proactively address issues of rising water levels through advanced coastal building design considerations.
