A year ago, we told you about an affordable senior housing development planned for a large lot on the 900 block of Ellsworth Street, next to the Italian Market. At the time, the 22,000 sqft lot was (barely) in use as a parking lot.

A year ago

In the spring, developer St. Maron’s CDC had a groundbreaking at this site, and construction has progressed in the the months since. Foundations have been dug, and what looks like at least one elevator tower is going up. Sure, the finished product is still far out on the horizon, but the progress is apparent.

Last week

Closer look

Again

This project will eventually include 64 units of affordable senior rental housing, 25 parking spaces, and a community garden in the rear. The design, by Haley Donovan, gives space to the homes on Ellsworth Street by only going up to three stories in the front.

Rendering, courtesy of BCM Affordable Housing. We're not there just yet.

Remarkably, this development is far more appropriate for its location than the project we brought to your attention yesterday, just a block away. The density is perhaps a little high but still appropriate, and the use fits into the plan set forth by the Lower Italian Market Revitalization Project.

We’ll bring you another update on this project once it approaches completion.