The Residences on Lincoln Square, the first senior housing development in Worcester’s downtown area, are officially open. This represents the conclusion of an extraordinary, $52 million adaptive reuse initiative aimed at transforming an underutilized building into much-needed affordable senior residences, advancing Worcester’s goal to alleviate the current housing crisis.
WinnDevelopment, a national leader in affordable housing development, teamed with VHB to take a creative approach to the redevelopment, located at the site of the former Worcester Boys Club. Despite being a treasured landmark, the building was previously deemed a poor investment and remained vacant from 2006 until Winn purchased it in 2019. For the City’s first air rights construction project, VHB worked initially with Cutler Associates and then with Maugel DeStafano Architects to design an innovative “podium” structure that straddles the Johnson Tunnel, with parking on the ground level. A glass walkway connects the new building to the former Boys Club building.
“Seeing the City and the public’s enthusiasm for this redevelopment has been incredibly rewarding,” said Worcester Director of Land Development Brittany Gesner. “This team has navigated a variety of complex obstacles with this unique project, but the result is worth it to reinvigorate a key gateway to Worcester’s downtown.”
The Residences on Lincoln Square comprise 16 affordable apartment homes in the original 48,000-square-foot building and 64 units in an adjoining, new 63,000-square-foot building. 11 of the apartments will be reserved for residents with disabilities. 68 units will be priced for residents who earn up to 60 percent of the area median income and 12 for those who earn up to 30 percent the area median income. Along with walking access to area attractions and public transit, residents will enjoy state-of-the art amenities, including library reading rooms, community space, and a fitness center with an indoor basketball and pickleball court.
This project is the third historic building in Lincoln Square to be renovated for residential apartments, preceded by the renovation of the former Vocational School by WinnDevelopment to the north and the renovation of the former courthouse by Trinity Financial to the west. Also in Lincoln Square, the former Worcester Auditorium remains vacant, with hopes of revitalization in the future.
Read how VHB approaches asset repositioning to positively address economic, environmental, and social equity issues by reimagining the built environment.
