Work has started to upgrade and increase the number of affordable apartments for those who have experienced homelessness in the YMCA of the North Shore’s historic Pattillo Building downtown at 67 Middle St.
The $16 million project has been a few years in the making.
The Y plans to transform Cape Ann Community Housing, which has 22 single rooms with shared kitchens and baths, into Pattillo Housing that will include 28 affordable studio apartments, each with a kitchen and bathroom.
The project is meant to provide much-needed affordable rental opportunities for Gloucester residents, the Y said.
In addition to the increase in units, the redevelopment will have on-site support services to provide stability for residents.
The building will feature full modern accessibility standards, including a new elevator at all levels, and be Energy Star-certified to underscore the state’s commitment to greener, more sustainable communities.
The building holds special significance for the YMCA of the North Shore as it was the organization’s first affordable housing tax credit project in 1993. This project pioneered three decades of commitment to housing as a core part of the Y’s mission.
About 33 years later, with renewed interest from the state, the Pattillo building is being transformed into a modern facility that will support 20% more individuals than before. The Y provides safe, affordable homes for more than 550 residents in Essex County, including 72 in Gloucester.
“The redevelopment of Pattillo is deeply personal to us,” said Chris Lovasco, YMCA of the North Shore’s president and CEO. “Thirty-three years ago, Pattillo was our first affordable housing project, and today it stands as a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together to meet urgent needs. Affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges facing the commonwealth, and I could not be prouder that the Y is helping lead the response here in Gloucester.”
Pattillo Housing will provide those who have experienced homelessness with an opportunity to rebuild their lives, live independently, and remain rooted in Gloucester.
The new investment in Pattillo Housing has an extra benefit for the city because it was awarded back-to-back with the YMCA of the North Shore’s most recent project, the 44-unit John J. Meany Community Housing for Seniors, a redevelopment of the former YMCA of Cape Ann site on Middle Street which opened next door in 2024. Of those seniors who live there, 90% were Cape Ann residents before moving in.
“These projects reflect our city’s commitment to meeting the needs of residents across generations, and we are proud to partner with the YMCA and state leaders to make Gloucester a place where all people can thrive,” Mayor Greg Verga said in a prepared statement.
The project was approved by the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in its 2024 funding round. It has received both historic and low-income tax credits, and money from EOHLC, the North Shore Home Consortium and the city.
“This redevelopment is the result of extraordinary collaboration,” said Jamie McGrath, YMCA of the North Shore’s vice president of project management.
He said the Y was grateful to Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Verga and his administration, the City Council, the Zoning Board, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, the Community Preservation Committee, the North Shore Home Consortium, the legislative delegation, and other community partners.
“By leveraging state funding, we’re able to expand affordable housing while ensuring that every philanthropic dollar continues to provide scholarships, financial aid, and programs for our members,” McGrath said.
The project team includes the YMCA of the North Shore, Groom Construction Co. Inc., SV Design, Affirmative Investments and Trident Group. Funding is coming from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the city, Greystone, Rockland Trust and Salem Five.
Leasing questions may directed to 978-705-6325 or capeannlottery@northshoreymca.org.
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.