Governor Maura Healey and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus announced $15 million in Housing Development Inceptive Program (HDIP) awards earlier this week, to create 829 new homes in six Gateway Cities, kicking off the program’s first funding round of 2025.
A project at 484 Merrimack Street, at the crossroads of Lowell’s Downtown and Acre neighborhoods, will received $1.3-million toward the creation of 24 housing units. The development, first announced this past February, will also create first floor commercial space and become the new home of Sophia’s Greek Pantry, which will relocate from its current location on Market Street.
New Royal, LLC and Patrick Tighe are listed as “sponsors” of the project, which will also restore the building’s historic 1912 storefront.
“I am thrilled to hear about the HDIP award for the 484 Merrimack Street project,” said 18th Middlesex State Representative Tara Hong (D-Lowell). (It) will not only contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Lowell’s downtown, but to the much-needed housing stock as well.”
The announcement took place Monday in Revere, which is also receiving two awards for the overall development of market-rate housing on the former Suffolk Downs site with the Portico 1 and 2 projects. The additional four awardees in this funding round include the Bedford Street Lofts in Fall River, 533 Main Street in Fitchburg, District Square in Haverhill and 17 Pearl in Worcester.
“These HDIP awards are a powerful tool in helping our Gateway Cities create housing and revitalize our downtowns, neighborhoods and underutilized properties,” said Governor Healey. “Our expansion of the HDIP program under my tax cuts package has played a critical role in driving the nearly 100,000 new homes that have been built or are under development since we took office. These awards are helping communities build the housing they need, supporting local economies and ultimately making housing more affordable and attainable for everyone.”
“People in Massachusetts are excited to build a life, a career, and a family in our great state, and we know they need reasonably-priced housing options that help them achieve those goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By supporting these exciting projects in six Massachusetts cities, we’re strengthening our communities, creating more affordable housing, and building a brighter future for us all.”
