Island street
The transformation of Lawrence’s Mill District wouldn’t be complete without the Island Parkside project. While the neighborhood has seen a recent rebirth as new housing and commercial uses have reclaimed most of the mill buildings and developable land, the area has a few crumbling and blighted scars owing to its historic past.
Island Parkside will redevelop a 2-acre portion of a 4.3-acre lot adjacent to Union Crossing and a new city park to offer 80 units of affordable rental housing—addressing the overwhelming demand for quality rentals in the city that are accessible to low-income families. The project spans 2 different buildings constructed in 2 phases, and it will include a youth community center developed by SquashBusters Lawrence and parking to support the commercial activity at DyeWorks.
As its name suggests, Island Parkside will also address the community’s priority to develop safe, outdoor recreational spaces for families. The adjacent park provides access to the banks of the Merrimack River and the plants and animals that call it home. When the new buildings are complete, residents and neighbors will be able to enjoy this wild and welcoming environment.
Phase I is focused on a new building on the northernmost portion of the site that will include 40 units of 100% affordable rental housing for families and individuals making 60% or less of the area median income (AMI), with 40% of the units dedicated to those making less than 30% of AMI. Amenities in the building will include a laundry room, fitness room, bike storage room, and access to open space with views and walking trails along the Merrimack River.
The project will provide family housing in an area within walking distance to the commuter rail, three of Lawrence’s largest employers, a college and an elementary school, three parks, two museums, and more. The major shopping area is two blocks away. To learn more about rental units at Island Parkside, contact our real estate team at jharden@lawrencecommunityworks.org.
Phase II of the Island Parkside project includes the demo of the existing vacant industrial building and the new construction of a 5-story, 40-unit building that will sit south of the Phase I building. In addition to robust resident services, there will be community spaces, access to outdoor recreation, open space, and views of the River.
Sharing the first floor of the building will be SquashBusters Lawrence’s (SQBL) Youth and Community Center. SQBL is a youth recreation program that uses the sport of squash combined with academic enrichment, mentoring, and community service to provide young people with support and access to opportunities. The Center will occupy roughly 18,000 square feet, including classrooms, squash courts, a fitness center, locker rooms, and office space. Outside of program hours, the facilities will be open to residents of the Island Parkside development, local community groups, and other organizations.