Rebuilding Faneuil Gardens: A Modern Plan for Mixed-Income Housing in Brighton

The Community Builders, the Boston Housing Authority, JGE Architecture & Design, MVRDV, and H+O Structural Engineering are advancing the redevelopment of Faneuil Gardens, a 7.5-acre public housing site in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. Originally constructed in the 1940s, the buildings have reached the end of their useful life and lack accessible units.

The MVRDV-led masterplan introduces five new residential buildings totaling 441 mixed-income apartments, including 258 replacement units for current residents and 183 new affordable homes for households earning between 30% and 120% of AMI. Phase 1, designed by JGE Architecture & Design with H+O Structural Engineering, delivers the first new building and site infrastructure within the five-phase redevelopment, allowing most residents to move only once into their new homes.

Reconnecting the Neighborhood

The original Faneuil Gardens layout isolated the site from surrounding streets with limited access points and large surface parking areas. The new master plan reintroduces a clear street network centered on a pedestrian boulevard linking Faneuil Street to North Beacon Street.

This new spine improves movement through the community and strengthens connections to nearby McKinney Park and the Charles River corridor. Landscaped courtyards, play areas, and open spaces are integrated between the buildings, offering residents a mix of shared and private outdoor environments.

Building heights range from three to seven stories, increasing overall density to support Boston’s housing goals.

Coordinated Public Redevelopment

The redevelopment of Faneuil Gardens is part of the Boston Housing Authority’s long-term effort to modernize public housing and expand affordable supply across the city. Working with The Community Builders, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit housing developers, the project combines public oversight with private-sector design and delivery.

Designed for Longevity and Resilience

The plan emphasizes durability, accessibility, and environmental performance. Existing tree canopy is preserved where possible, stormwater systems are upgraded, and green coverage is expanded through permeable landscaping. Buildings are oriented to maximize daylight and ventilation potential, improving comfort and livability for residents.

Collectively, these improvements replace an outdated housing model with one built for long-term affordability, climate resilience, and inclusive community design.