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Massachusetts Developers Convert Old Mills into Housing Amid Shortage
Massachusetts faces a need for nearly 250,000 new homes over the next decade due to a housing shortage. Developers like Jeff Glassman are repurposing old mills, such as a 52,000-square-foot building in New Bedford, into apartments despite challenges. State incentives and zoning changes are supporting these efforts to preserve history and address housing demands.
Apr 4, 4:01 PM·2m read1 source
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Massachusetts requires the construction of nearly 250,000 new homes over the next decade to meet housing demand, according to reports. The Boston Globe highlighted that old mills, once used for industrial purposes, are being considered for conversion into residential properties. This approach aims to utilize existing structures in areas where new land development is limited.
Jeff Glassman, a developer, plans to transform a 52,000-square-foot former textile mill in New Bedford into 50 apartments, with an estimated cost of $20 million. He purchased the building, which includes a former power plant and offices, in 2019 for $350,000. Glassman stated that the project's relevance stems from the state's housing needs, as he told The Boston Globe.
Converting old mills presents challenges due to their varied layouts, including irregular shapes and sizes. However, these buildings offer benefits such as available space in land-scarce areas and potential to avoid community opposition to new construction.
Larry Curtis, chairman of Boston-based WinnDevelopment, noted that his company has repurposed nearly two dozen mills in places like Lowell and Holyoke over the past four decades.
State incentives, including tax credits for historic rehabilitation, are encouraging developers to take on these projects. Jessica Rudden-Dube, executive director of Preservation Massachusetts, emphasized that repurposing historic mills allows for preservation while meeting modern housing demands.
Two decades ago, New Bedford inventoried about 100 mills and updated zoning laws to allow their conversion into housing or mixed uses.
In New Bedford, some mills have already been repurposed, such as the Kilburn Mill, which now houses artists, vendors, cafes, and businesses. Jennifer Carloni, the city's director of planning, said that policies are in place for further developments, though environmental challenges remain for untouched sites.
