Bell Hill III
It's been more than four years since the WESCDC began targeting the Bell Hill area by acquiring properties to launch a $2.3 million affordable homeownership initiative. Of the seven houses in this phase of the project, four are gut rehabilitations and three are new construction. All of the completely renovated homes were designed to be energy-efficient and include new insulation, siding and utilities, as well as brand new kitchens and bathrooms. Each home also includes a rental unit that offers the first-time homeowners an additional source of income and adds much-needed quality rental housing to the neighborhood.
The project's three new homes on Eastern Avenue (pictured above) were purchased in December 2006 and January 2007. Like the rehabbed properties, these brightly painted, energy-efficient homes were designed by architect Ed Nunes and include a rental unit as well as off-street parking.
The homebuyers for the properties at 79 E. Central St., 3 Rockport Road, 3 Channing St., and 70, 80, 82 and 123 Eastern Ave. were selected in lotteries held in July and September. Those who participated in the lotteries had completed a first-time homebuyer education program and were income-qualified as each earns less than 80 percent of the area's median income.
79 E. Central Street
Before... and After...
3 Rockport Road