Hyde Park celebrated the opening of The Pryde, the first LGBTQ-affirming, income-restricted senior housing in Massachusetts, with Mayor Michelle Wu, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and other dignitaries in attendance, according to the City of Boston's official announcement. This initiative, which converted the historic William Barton Rogers Middle School into a housing community for those aged 62 and older, features 74 income-restricted rental homes and a community center designed to enrich the local populace.
Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for residents, highlighting the city's efforts to provide safe, affordable housing with amenities like gardens, art studios, and community spaces, "Making Boston a home for everyone means ensuring that residents can live in the City they love with safe, affordable housing that is welcoming to all," she stated in the grand opening ceremony, residents and officials celebrated the success of The Pryde which mirrors the city's commitment to inclusion, especially apparent as the Pride Month festivities wind down. The grand opening represents an achievement against political pushback, with Senator Warren acknowledging, "Republicans tried their very best to slash funding for this project, but we fought back and secured this powerfully important investment," reflecting the contentious journey to secure the necessary resources for The Pryde's development, as reported by the City of Boston.
Details on the project's funding were shared by various sources, revealing a blend of city, state, and federal support alongside private contributors. The Mayor's Office of Housing and the Community Preservation Act Fund are highlighted as major municipal funding sources, with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development providing significant state and federal money. Further details from other institutions like the LGBTQ Senior Housing Inc.’s Board of Directors and the National Park Service also contributed, showing a dynamic array of backers for The Pryde.
Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration in transforming the school into The Pryde. "The Mayor's Office of Housing is profoundly grateful to the Hyde Park community, Pennrose, and LGBTQ Senior Housing Inc. for their unwavering dedication in partnering with us to reimagine and transform the historic William Barton Rogers Middle School into The Pryde," she said, illustrating the collective effort among local groups and the city to bring the project to life to the vision for an enduring, diverse, and equitable housing solution, as stated by the City of Boston. Additionally, the development honors Black Civil War soldiers with the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, providing space for reenactment groups to preserve and educate others about this rich piece of history, which integrates a broader narrative into the fabric of The Pryde.
Residents of The Pryde will have access to a selection of amenities designed for convenience and engagement, including barrier-free apartments, community meals, art classes, and spaces for social and educational activities. Boston's Age Strong Commissioner, Emily K. Shea, highlighted the intention behind these amenities: "Older people in Boston deserve to live in a welcoming, accessible home where they can live and age with dignity," explained Shea in an official announcement from the City of Boston. She indicated that The Pryde will not only fulfill housing needs but also actively contribute to the well-being and community life of its seniors.
