November 30, 2015 5 Reasons to Give to HBI on #GivingTuesday December 1st, 2015
1. HBI Strengthens Boston’s Main Streets
In 2015, HBI completed restoration of the 1868 Vertullo Building in Hyde Park, one of the few surviving commercial buildings dating from the year in which Hyde Park was established as an independent town. HBI acquired the mixed use building and restored it to its 1890s appearance with Victorian decoration and system and utility upgrades. Four upper story residences were upgraded and five new small businesses have opened on the first floor.
2. HBI Attracts Investment and Creates Housing
HBI and Roslindale Village Main Street partnered in 2012 to find a feasible re-use for the beautiful but long overlooked Roslindale Substation (1911), a former MBTA electric switching station for streetcars. The Substation has been vacant since 1971. The two non-profits went further, arranging to purchase the surrounding parcels of land, and bringing in developer Peregrine Group LLC to restore the Substation as a destination restaurantand build 43 new apartment units around the historic building. A new restaurant by Dorchester restaurateur Chris Douglass opens in the historic substation in 2016.
3. HBI Fosters Small Businesses and Create Jobs
HBI was designated by the City of Boston in 2015 to rehabilitate the 1912 Upham’s Corner Comfort Station in Dorchester. Located on Columbia Road near the new Fairmount Line, the arts and crafts building will become home to Bike Kitchen, a bike repair and coffee shop, owned and operated by local entrepreneur Noah Hicks. This re-use will enliven an important corner, and will bring new activity to the adjacent park and nearby businesses as well.
4. Historic Boston Preserves Our History
HBI’s projects preserve the long and rich history of Boston’s neighborhoods for future generations Read More
5. HBI Builds Community
HBI recently acquired the 1785 Fowler Clark Farm in Mattapan,
and is working with the Urban Farming Institute, The Trust for Public Land, and North Bennet Street School to transform the site’s 18th century house, 1860s barn and 30,000 sf of land into an urban farming training and education center. This re-use will provide education on urban farming, fresh food, and a restored pair of historic buildings in Mattapan. The neighborhood has warmly welcomed this effort, and we look forward to working with our partners to bring this historic farm complex into 21st century urban farming for Boston.
Bonus: Donations are Tax Deductible!
Historic Boston Incorporated’s (HBI’s) strategic investments in Boston’s historic buildings preserve neighborhood landmarks, and stimulate investment by others. Our goal is to help develop strong and vibrant neighborhoods throughout our city. HBI’s mission has never been more important. Your generosity and support helps HBI meet the challenges ahead and preserve the rich character of Boston for generations to come. Our work at HBI is about more than bricks and mortar, and YOU are central to its success.