Former Children’s Homes in Massachusetts to Become affordable Housing

Cruz Development Corp. intends to convert the New Bedford Building into 28 mixed-income apartments.

The sale of St. Mary’s Home for Children in New Bedford (Massachusetts) has been completed by the state. Cruz Development Corp. The 1.4-acre property was purchased by Cruz Development Corp., which plans to turn it into a affordable Housing Community.

The developer intends to convert the former state-owned building in 28 mixed-income apartments, 70 percent of which will be affordable housing and 30 percent at market rates. The plans also include the addition of a playground outside and a parking area.

The property is located at 593 Kempton St., just off Route 6 – a major gateway corridor – in New Bedford’s West End, close to a variety of restaurants, retail centers, and entertainment venues. St. Luke’s Hospital, Buttonwood Park and other attractions are located within a radius of 1.6 miles.

The Commonwealth’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance identified this property in 2021 as an opportunity for redevelopment to meet the housing needs of the city. Cruz Development Corp. won the bid after a request-for-proposals process.

The company plans to build 87 units of mixed-income homes in New Bedford. According to SouthCoastToday the former George H. Dunbar School located at 338 Dartmouth St., and the old St. Joseph School located on Kearsarge Street are also being transformed into housing. Cruz also plans to build a community on an empty lot between Jenney and North streets.