A local minority-owned architecture and design firm recently completed an affordable housing development in Hyde Park for adults aged 55 and older.

JGE Architecture + Design firm partnered with regional nonprofit B’nai B’rith Housing, which developed the new housing, to create Logan Square Residences. The development includes commercial space, community amenities and 63 affordable one-bedroom apartments.

JGE Architecture + Design President/Founder Jonathan Garland said the five-story housing building is a manifestation of their goal to design a supportive community for seniors — with both housing and a sense of belonging.

“Logan Square Residences brings together thoughtful architecture, access to outdoor space and opportunities for daily connection. It strengthens an important corner of Hyde Park and reflects the kind of community-driven development we believe can positively shape the future of Boston’s neighborhoods,” Garland said.

Among the amenities are a residential lobby, fitness room, library/lounge, community room, outdoor courtyard with seating along with a water feature, a green wall and space for recreation and rest.

It also enhances the walkable, transit-accessible neighborhood environment, being close to the Hyde Park Municipal Building’s senior programs, the YMCA and the public library, allowing residents to remain active and engaged within their community.

The ground-floor commercial space will continue to enhance River Street as it plans to support local businesses.

As the housing development was designed to meet Passive House Certification standards and the city’s Department of Neighborhood Development Zero Emission Buildings requirements, the building is “all-electric and high-performing, as it reduces energy consumption.”

It also has a focus on amplifying “resident comfort” while supporting “long-term operational sustainability.”

This new development brings senior housing to Logan Square, which is one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods for income-restricted homes.

Garland added that the completion of this project means something special for Hyde Park.

“Hyde Park in many ways is a first, in the sense that it’s a 100%, all-affordable senior housing development that also happens to be as of right from a zoning standpoint. It really does complete Logan Square,” he said. “We were able to reimagine the corner of the street there, bring the building right out to the street, and create a nice mix of housing and commercial space right at the corner and being next to the municipal building, the local YMCA, as well as The Pryde, which is another senior housing building up the street.”

The Pryde, which opened in June 2024 in the rehabilitated 120-year-old William Barton Rogers School, is an LGBTQfriendly, mixed-income apartment building for older residents.

Having affordable housing developments like this in the city is a game changer amid a housing crisis, especially for seniors who otherwise would be priced out of the neighborhoods they’ve lived their whole lives, he added.

JGE Architecture look at projects like this as critical from all levels: from a multigenerational standpoint, for young students to keep talent local, to seniors seeking to downsize in the neighborhoods they are connected to.

B’nai B’rith Housing Executive Director Susan Gittelman said the organization is dedicated to the work of building homes where seniors feel comfortable and are respected.

“[We’re] committed to building high-quality homes where seniors can age affordably, safely and with dignity. Logan Square Residences reflects that commitment. This project strengthens the neighborhood while offering older adults the opportunity and connection they deserve,” she said.

The new five-story apartment building is near 90% occupancy.

“Now as the ground thaws, some of the snow melts and seniors are comfortable walking the streets again without slipping on ice, we’re hopeful that they will really be the catalyst that helps to activate and bring all of this vision into fruition,” Garland said. “We do the buildings, we do the brick and mortar, we do the architecture, but the people and the residents are going to bring all the life, energy and the vitality.”