Anyone who has visited CSNDC’s offices knows the corner. It’s one of the most familiar spots in Codman Square, and soon it may be one of the most important. Through our “On the Square” project, CSNDC plans to rebuild that whole site, bringing new affordable housing to the neighborhood along with something Codman Square has been missing for a long time: shared space where the community can gather.
“We’re going to rebuild it bigger and better,” says Marcia Thornhill, CSNDC’s Vice President of Operations. “We’ll have more housing and retail space. And we also want to create some community space.”
Located on Washington Street between Talbot Avenue and Southern Avenue, “On the Square” will be a new building with ground floor commercial spaces and four floors of affordable rental units. It will replace the current one-story commercial building which includes CSNDC’s offices. CSNDC is working with DHK Architects on this project, and we are currently working with the Boston Planning Department on the Article 80 Large Project review process.
At its core, “On the Square” is about using the existing footprint to create more affordable housing. Across Boston, land is scarce and affordable housing is harder to build every year. Codman Square is getting more expensive, too, forcing longtime residents to move elsewhere.
“Every affordable home built in Codman Square represents one more family that gets to stay in Codman Square,” says Marcia.
The current plan calls for 14 one-bedroom units, 23 two-bedroom units and 4 three-bedroom apartments.
An Epicenter for the Community
But, as CSNDC’s Executive Director, Ingrid Tucker, says, “On the Square” is envisioned as much more than a building.
“I’m so excited about this project because I see this block becoming a bubbling epicenter for community activities in Codman Square for years to come,” says Ingrid. “I’d love to see a space where people in the community feel like they can come, a place for workshops, adult learning classes, and programs for young people.”
That’s why CSNDC views “On the Square” as such as important project – it’s a starting point for transforming the whole neighborhood.
It’s a fitting project for CSNDC’s 45th year, one that reaffirms the organization’s commitment to affordable housing while reflecting a conviction that runs through all of CSNDC’s work: housing, health, opportunity, and community are all connected.
At this time, “On the Square” is expected to break ground as soon as Fall 2027 and be completed in early 2030.
