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Date: 10/30/2023
SPRINGFIELD — City and state officials, members of the real estate and development communities and South End neighborhood residents gathered on Oct. 25 to celebrate the long-awaited groundbreaking of an urban housing project aimed at making homeownership a possibility for more residents.
It was the first visible step of Home City Development’s plan to bring 40 energy-efficient townhouse units to the vacant lot on which the former Gemini Corp. textile mill once stood between Central and Morris streets. The buidling was left vacant in 1989 and destroyed by a fire in 2003.
State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) reflected on the reclamation of the property as a long time coming, noting that South End residents began advocating for its revitalization during the administration of former Mayor Michael Albano. Gonzalez, a former aide of Albano’s, credited the residents for their resilience in getting the remnants of the burnt out mill removed in 2009 and the land eventually prepped for redevelopment.
“For many years, nothing has happened, but today, we’re making some groundbreaking news,” he said.
For many Springfield residents, the ceremonial launch of the project was symbolic of the city’s growth potential and opportunity presented by the rejuvination of these kinds of properties. Brian Henry, president of the Springfield-based Henry General Contractors charged with building the units, noted he was one of the subcontractors responsible for the demolition of the Gemini building following the fire and appreciated the opportunity to bring the property full-circle.
“As a local-owned business, I’m proud to bring this level of construction as well as design to the city of Springfield,” he said. “After traveling many years in New England as a federal contractor, it’s a joy to come back to Springfield and be part of a project such as this.”
For others, including Home City Development Project Manager and Ward 3 resident Jasper McCoy, the development repesents a opportunity for working residents to own a home when doors would be otherwise closed to them. The project will be marketed to first-time homebuyers and sold to residents earning less than 100% of the city’s area median income.
“To give context, jobs that earn that much are the barista at your local Starbucks here on East Columbus [Avenue], we also have a pharmacy technician right here on the corner of Main Street and Union who earns less than 100% AMI, we have Baystate Health employees, MGM employees, and you’re looking at one here, Jasper McCoy, who earns less than 100% AMI,” McCoy said. “There are hardworking individuals who will be able to afford these homeownership opportunities at the Gemini Townhomes.”
Mayor Domenic Sarno also pointed to the development as necessary “workforce development housing.”
The city initially put the Gemini site out to bid in 2021 and several officials noted the efforts to fund the $23 million housing project. Mark Teden, MassHousing’s vice president of multifamily programs, noted the project took 12 different sources of funding and received the largest commonwealth builder award the quasi-government agency has ever granted. Last month, Reminder Publishing reported that the City Council approved a Community Preservation Act funding allocation toward the project for a second consecutive year with this year’s total being $90,000.
“Very complicated. It’s one of the reasons it took so long — [and] of course cost increases, COVID did not help costs in the least,” he said.
Gonzalez, a member of the Black and Latino Caucus, also noted that a significant amount of the funding for the project was the result of a meeting between the caucus and former Gov. Charlie Baker.
“That meeting was specifically and exclusively for economic development for communities that represented communities of color [and] low-income communities specifically in the city of Springfield. That program initiated $60 million for home ownership.” he said, adding that the creation of MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builders program and the MassDREAMS down payment assistance grant program as keys to developing affordable housing opportunities. Gonzalez’s colleagues on the caucus, state Reps. Bud Williams (D-Springfield), the caucus’s chair, and Orlando Ramos (D-Springfield) were also in attendance at the groundbreaking.
The two- and three-bedroom townhomes with private garages will be priced at approximately $190,000 to $230,000, according to the city’s Development Services Division. While a timetable for completion of the units has not been set, the application process for those interested in purchasing will begin soon, according to Wilfredo Lopez, a broker with Homes Logic Real Estate. Successful applicants will be chosen through a lottery system.
Through a shared equity program made possible by the collaboration between the city and state, MassHousing, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Home City Development, those chosen will be able to own the property and live in it with the option of accessing its equity after 15 years.
Those interested can call or text 413-707-2455, email gemini@homeslogic.com or visit geminispringfield.com.