Completed Projects
Since its start in 1986, Lawrence CommunityWorks (LCW) has demonstrated a commitment to in-depth neighborhood and project planning that reflects the needs of neighborhood residents. While we are proud of the many different contributions that the organization has made in Lawrence, there’s no impact more visible than our real estate development projects, especially in the North Common neighborhood and the City’s historic Mill District.
To date, our track record includes the development of 343 units of affordable owned housing and rentals with $120 million in funds raised and invested to make it all possible. Since 1999, the incidence of vacant/abandoned properties in the North Common has been halved from 30% to about 15%. Annually LCW’s portfolio contributes nearly half a million dollars annually in City Real Estate taxes.
With the input of residents, we’ve also prioritized commercial and community facilities and parks and playgrounds—resulting in a portfolio of completed projects that reflect our shared desire for a more equitable and sustained revitalization of Lawrence.
Orchad st.
Lawrence residents have expressed a strong preference for owner-occupied, multi-family homes that are both affordable and honor the historic character of the North Common neighborhood. Our real estate development projects reflect these local priorities and provide an accessible pathway to homeownership.
Scarito Homes
Completed in 2007, this project provides 10 units of green townhouses for homeownership in addition to a tree preservation effort.
Union & Mechanic
Built on 4 vacant lots, this low-impact development was completed in 2006 and provides 5 units for homeownership along with the adjacent Alleyway Community Gardens.
Summer Street
These duplexes offer 8 units of affordable homeownership along with a playground, earning it the 2001 HUD and National Home Builders Gold Award for Affordable Housing.
Union & Milford
Unlike our multi-family homeownership projects, this development created 5 detached single-family homes in 2019 and are offered to first-time low-income buyers.
Orchard Street Homes
This project provides 4 units in highly energy efficient duplexes located in our City’s historic Mechanic’s Row on Orchard St.
In addition to homeownership, Lawrence residents continue to face an ongoing affordable rental housing crisis—especially for units that are safe, clean and well-managed. Our affordable rental real estate development projects help address this top community concern.
Community & Commercial Space
In addition to housing solutions, our completed projects in Lawrence include much needed commercial spaces and community gathering places that serve the surrounding neighborhood.
Building 9
This commercial space in Union Crossing includes 26 creative/artist studios and office space, the vast majority of which is under lease with active tenants.
Hennigan Center
The acquisition and minor renovation of the former St. Laurence O’Toole rectory building was completed in 2007 as a home base for LCW programs and college partners.
Our House
This 2007 renovation of the former St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic School building created a community learning center to house all of LCW’s adult and youth programs.
Scarito Park
Formerly an industrial laundry, this 2.7-acre park was transformed from an abandoned and contaminated vacant lot into a safe and beautiful gathering place with community gardens and open-air classrooms. The park was completed in 2007 thanks to a unique partnership between LCW, Groundwork Lawrence, the City of Lawrence and Bank of America.