Project Spotlight: Multi-Family Housing Development in Dorchester, Boston

Abacus Builders was proud to be selected to construct this Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)-approved and ERT-permitted project in a wonderful part of Dorchester. Situated on a massive corner lot, this development was designed to bring much-needed housing to Boston residents.

The ambitious plan called for the construction of three separate buildings, each designed in a traditional two-family style, making this an ideal addition to the neighborhood. Additionally, the project included 14 deeded parking spaces, which the city planners deemed essential for residents in this high-demand area.

Our scope of work began with the demolition of a vacant and dilapidated single-family home. As with any older structure, several key steps were required to obtain a demolition permit from the City of Boston. This included disconnecting utilities, checking for hazardous materials, and submitting approximately 10 necessary documents for city review. Once the permits were issued, the transformation began.

Tearing down the old home was a sight to behold, and many neighbors came out to watch the process, which unfolded quickly. After that, it was on to the construction phase—starting with new foundations and leading all the way to handing over the keys to the client. Despite some delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire project took about 15 months from start to finish.

The final result is a set of three aesthetically pleasing, modern buildings that blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood—an important factor in securing community support. Each unit features high-end finishes, including:

• Stainless steel appliances
• Central HVAC systems
• Private decks for lower units
• Deeded parking spaces
• Premium trim packages and moldings
• United black windows and black hardware accents, which give the homes a contemporary yet timeless feel.

This project exemplifies our ability to manage large-scale, multi-family developments in the heart of Boston, while maintaining a focus on quality craftsmanship and community integration.

Please check out our Youtube video to see this being constructed in time lapse format. Wonderful video that shows how this is done.