Austin Block

About This Project

Austin Block, 1827, Charlestown, MA

Constructed in 1827 by General Nathaniel Austin of Charlestown, Austin Block is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Charlestown. It was also home to Charlestown’s first regular newspaper The Bunker Hill Aurora.

In 1984, HBI financed and managed structural stabilization and exterior restoration on behalf of the owners before helping Paramount Development, Inc. assemble adjacent parcels for a $9,000,000 residential project. All conveyed improvements and right to preservation tax credits were allocated to Paramount Development, Inc. in exchange for a $260,000 mortgage covering rehabilitation and acquisition costs.