Office of Housing and DVM Housing Partners Celebrate Progress On New Affordable Homes In Mattapan

Thirty new condominiums and locally owned commercial spaces strengthen housing stability and economic opportunity in the neighborhood.

The Mayor's Office of Housing, DVM Housing Partners and community members celebrated major progress on BLUME on the Ave, a new affordable homeownership community that is bringing 30 income-restricted homes and over 3000 square feet of neighborhood-serving commercial space to Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan. The project advances Mayor Wu's commitment to ensuring that residents of all income levels can stay in their communities and build wealth through homeownership.

"This development shows how we can return City-owned land to community use and create both homes and economic opportunity," said Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon. "We are proud to work with DVM Housing Partners and our state and nonprofit partners to help more families build their futures in Mattapan."

Located across three buildings at 1015-1019, 1039, and 1028-1044 Blue Hill Avenue, BLUME on the Ave is transforming formerly vacant City-owned parcels into new opportunities for families, first-time homebuyers, and long-time Mattapan residents. The development includes a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom condominiums designed to support a range of household sizes while preserving affordability in one of Boston's most culturally vibrant neighborhoods.

The Mayor's Office of Housing awarded the project through a competitive vacant-lot disposition in 2022. The development team is led by DVM Housing Partners, a minority-, woman-owned Boston firm with deep ties to the neighborhood. The project is being financed through a partnership that includes the City of Boston, MassHousing, the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, and LISC Boston.

DVM Housing Partners Founder and Principal Dariela Villón-Maga, who grew up in the Grove Hall neighborhood and lives in Mattapan, noted that neighborhood voices played a central role in shaping the project. "We want these new homes and businesses to reflect the culture and future of Mattapan," said Villón-Maga. "This development is rooted in the belief that affordable homeownership is key to ensuring that long-time residents can remain in their community and thrive.

BLUME on the Ave is designed as an all-electric, energy-efficient community that promotes healthy home environments through modern electrical systems and improved indoor air quality. Homes feature wood flooring, open layouts, and high-quality kitchens with durable appliances. These design choices reflect Boston's work to build environmentally sustainable housing that lowers energy costs for residents.

MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay recognized the strength of the collaboration behind the project. "Turning vacant land into 30 new homes for first-time homebuyers is a major win for Mattapan. We are proud to be part of a project that helps families build stability and wealth for generations to come," said Kornegay.

The three ground-floor commercial spaces will be occupied by Black-owned, woman-owned small businesses that were selected through a community-driven process led by local residents. Sadiddy Lifestyle, a neighborhood beauty studio, and Body, Stone, and Soul + Smart Startup HR, a dual family business offering wellness products and small business support, will serve the community at street level. The third commercial space will be home to SIDE Presents, a local arts organization dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through storytelling and community events. SIDE Presents was also selected as a 2024 recipient of the City's SPACE Grant program to help bring people back to commercial corridors.

BLUME on the Ave represents the first phase in a broader strategy to strengthen the Lower Blue Hill Avenue corridor, guided by affordability, sustainability, and community leadership. Construction is underway and homeownership opportunities will be offered through a fair and transparent process to eligible households.

The project team includes Oxbow Urban as development consultant, CS2C/NE as ownership project management, Bald Hill Builders as general contractor and construction manager, and Studio Luz Architects as architect.

BLUME on the Avenue reflects Mayor Wu's commitment to making Boston a city where all residents can find stable homes and neighborhood resources. To expand affordable housing across the city, Mayor Wu has directed new financial resources into mixed-income housing, commissioned a public land audit to maximize the use of City-owned land, and streamlined approval processes to cut permitting times by more than 25 percent. She has also advanced changes to zoning and development policies, including Linkage and Inclusionary Zoning, that are helping drive the creation of affordable housing by private developers. These efforts, combined with projects like this one, are bringing more affordable housing to neighborhoods across Boston.

• Published by: Housing