Proposed apartment building would replace South Boston auto repair shop
South Boston’s gentrification continues thanks to a new proposal to replace an “eyesore” auto repair shop with an apartment building with a “stylish design.”
Joe Hassell of Boston Real Estate Capital submitted a project proposal to the Boston Redevelopment Authority on May 1 detailing his intent to build a 36-unit rental building at 55 West 5th Street in South Boston, replacing what is now an auto repair shop.
The project, which is just steps from the Broadway MBTA stop, would also include 36 parking garage spaces and one retail unit. The breakdown of apartment sizes would be six studios (500 square feet), nine one-bedroom units (650 square feet), and 21 two-bedroom units (875 to 1000 square feet).
The proposal notes, “It will be a positive addition to an already vibrant neighborhood, which is currently suffering from this underutilized eyesore.”
“In addition to a beautiful new building, we plan to improve the site with landscaping in the front and side of the property,” the proposal stated. “Major mechanical systems will be located in the garage/basement level, as well as trash storage and elevator access. Our proposed building has been designed to complement the style of the neighborhood.”
This area of South Boston has seen the most gentrification of anywhere else in the city over the last 15 years, according to a recent look at Boston’s gentrifying neighborhoods from Governing magazine.
Since 2000, in the area surrounding the proposed new apartment building, home prices have risen 89 percent, the population has just about doubled, and the percentage of adults with bachelor’s degrees has increased from around 30 percent to 70 percent.
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