VHB has partnered with the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing) and the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) to take on several meaningful projects that will increase the availability of affordable housing throughout the state. VHB continues to work closely with property developers and city governments to address the affordable housing crisis and create communities where residents can thrive.
HOPE CDC Springfield
The Hope Community Development Corporation (Hope CDC) supports faith-based organizations that own historic real estate assets in multiple neighborhoods in Springfield. Through funding from the Neighborhood Hub Program at MassHousing, the Hope CDC aims to preserve the architectural heritage of the neighborhoods while increasing the supply of affordable rental housing.
VHB is collaborating with the Hope CDC and MassHousing to prepare an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, which will guide affiliated landowners through coordinated real estate development efforts to realize a shared vision for affordable housing across the city. The key outcome of this planning process is to revitalize Springfield’s neighborhoods and foster vibrant, sustainable community growth.
Pittsfield Downtown Housing Plan
VHB is creating a Downtown Housing Plan for the City of Pittsfield in partnership with Massachusetts-based Leonardi Aray Architects. The team began this process by touring the community and visiting underutilized and/or vacant properties throughout the downtown district. Ultimately, the plan will identify and promote sites that present the best opportunities for affordable and market-rate residential development.
VHB is collaborating with the City’s Director of Community Development and MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow to confirm that our recommendations are well-aligned with local policy objectives.
New Bedford Armory
Continuing our partnership, VHB will work as a subconsultant to Leonardi Aray Architects on the New Bedford Armory Redevelopment project. The New Bedford Armory is a historic structure built in 1904 for the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The state completed necessary structural repairs on the Armory before transferring it to the City of New Bedford in 2022, priming the building for redevelopment while preserving its architectural history.
VHB will perform community outreach, site planning, and traffic analysis for this project, anticipated to begin in the Fall.
Read about VHB’s future-focused solutions to the affordable housing crisis.