1599 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury, MA
1599 is part of the Jackson Square revival, bringing 65 affordable units to the community along with economic opportunities. The building will include approximately 3,200 square feet of non-residential space along Columbus Avenue with bicycle storage, laundry facilities, and a community room for residents. This building will utilize a high efficiency heating system and building envelope with Energy Star-rated appliances and rooftop solar PV array. The development will meet the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Homes Platinum certifiable standard and is pursuing PHIUS Passive House CORE Certification. These measures significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensure operational efficiency, and elevate indoor air quality standards. The project is 90% complete and expected to be completed within the next few months.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral to the culture at Bald Hill Builders throughout the organization. Achieving the Boston Residents Jobs Policy (BRJP)/Owner diversity goals is crucial for positively impacting the lives of disadvantaged groups and involving community members in the construction of affordable housing in their neighborhoods. However, diversity in construction isn’t just about gathering paperwork and meeting goals; it’s about providing real career opportunities for local residents, people of color, women, and other underrepresented groups.
This involves creating pathways to success that start with exposure to construction through job site tours, internships, apprenticeships, and training programs in construction, safety, life skills, resume writing, and interview preparation. BHB has implemented on-the-job training, internship, and apprenticeship programs focused on introducing young adults to opportunities in construction. Additionally, Matt Grosshandler serves on the Board of Directors of YouthBuild Boston and teaches OSHA classes to their students.
Our DEI team also assists subcontractors in filling open positions by attending job fairs, collaborating with local training organizations and trade schools, accepting walk-on applicants at job sites, and forwarding resumes and applications to subcontractors with job openings. Furthermore, it’s about engaging with the community—not only to build structures but also to seek volunteer opportunities that leave the community better off than when we began the project.
Below are the diversity results achieved on the 1599 Columbus Avenue project:
BUSINESS DIVERSITY RESULTS:
- MBE – 43%
- WBE – 20%
- Section 3 Businesses – 26%
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY RESULTS:
- People of Color – 63%
- Boston Residents – 28%
- Women – 6%
- Section 3 Individuals (lower income) – 47%