Bishop Allen Apartments (formerly Norstin Apartments)

Just A Start’s (JAS) acquisition and preservation of this former expiring use property in March 2012 will ensure that this valuable housing resource, containing 32 large family-sized rental units in Central Square, will be preserved for generations of families.  The purchase of the property occurred only weeks before the project’s last affordability restriction was due to expire.  Renovations of some of the buildings has already been completed and are now occupied.  Renovations of all buildings will be completed during 2015.

The acquisition and preservation of Bishop Allen Apartments was made possible through the coordinated efforts among tenants, tenant advocates, state agencies, and the City, as well as the willingness of the former private owner to ensure preservation by selling to JAS. JAS was able to negotiate a purchase with the seller through the state’s Chapter 40T exemption process which encourages preservation sales.

The restoration of these four adjacent buildings will contribute significantly to the Central Square neighborhood and will ensure that this housing will be available to low and moderate-income families for years to come.