POAH files project notification form to begin redevelopment of West End Library Branch
Nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POAH) and Caste Capital, LLC submitted a Project Notification Form (PNF) to the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) last week to begin the process for the redevelopment of the West End Library and creation of affordable housing.
The project, located at 151 Cambridge Street, will replace the existing West End Branch of the Boston Public Library with a new mixed-use building of approximately 176,000 square feet, featuring the construction of a 12-story residential building above a two-story public library. The project will create 119 affordable housing apartments for households earning below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
The building will feature a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments including 40 subsidized units; 32 Project Based Voucher (PBV) units through the Faircloth to RAD program and 8 units through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).
The filing represents a key milestone in the formal public review process, offering opportunities for community feedback. The development will provide essential housing opportunities for some of Boston’s lowest-income families in a neighborhood with strong economic potential, close to transit, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
“This development promises to be a transformative addition to the neighborhood blending affordable housing, public resources, and thoughtfully designed spaces,” said POAH President/CEO Aaron Gornstein. “And as importantly, it will enhance connectivity and create a stronger sense of community for all residents, regardless of income or background.”
The updated library will span approximately 19,000 square feet, offering a vibrant space for learning, social interaction, and cultural engagement. An outdoor plaza and shared street between the Otis House and the library will enhance neighborhood connectivity, making the library more visible and accessible, while strengthening ties to nearby cultural resources.
This development supports Boston’s goals of creating diverse job opportunities, fostering sustainable construction practices, and minimizing environmental impact. The project is committed to meeting the Passive House (PHIUS) standards, ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, POAH and Caste Capital are dedicated to providing opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs).
Project Partners include: Bevco Associates, Inc., MASS Design Group, The Architectural Team, Inc., G2 Collaborative, Goulston & Storrs, Klein Hornig LLP, VHB, Acentech, Inc., Samiotes Consultants, Inc., Nitsch Engineering, McPhail Associates LLC, Epsilon Associates, RWDI, EnviENERGY Studio, CLEAResult, Bartlett Tree Experts, and Consigli/Smoot Construction.
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About POAH: Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) is a nonprofit developer, owner and operator of more than 13,000 affordable rental apartments nationwide -3,700 in Massachusetts. POAH’s primary mission is to preserve, create and sustain affordable, healthy homes that support economic security, racial equity, and access to opportunity for all. www.poah.org @poahcommunities
About Caste Capital: Caste Capital is a Boston-based private equity firm serving as a socioeconomic catalyst through targeted investments in real assets and distinctive opportunities that significantly influence the built environment. Caste Capital specializes in responsible investing, concentrating on opportunities that deliver measurable societal benefits alongside risk-adjusted returns. In addition to managing their own accounts, they oversee equity co-investment vehicles for a diverse array of individual and institutional investors. Their strategy is designed to directly enhance the communities in which they operate, focusing on hiring and training the next generation of diverse talent, striving to create more inclusive opportunities for all. https://www.castecapital.com/