Housing as History

Boston has been a national leader in efforts to bring much needed public and affordable housing to its residents. However, the city’s housing legacy is as complicated as it is innovative. This four-part series looks at the history of six housing sites across the city and examine the conditions for affordable and public housing today, highlighting the challenges—and opportunities—that lie ahead for Boston.

Click on the events below to view video recordings.

Listen to audio interviews

Listen to former residents of Commonwealth Denise Lydon, Rita Riordan, and Keith Willits with Stephen Tise architect of Commonwealth re-development, and Angie Irving, a former resident of Columbia Point. ​​​​​​

Listen to former Fenway resident and founding member of STOP Jack Mills, Fenway resident and founding member of Fenway CDC Bob Case, and South End Housing activist Sonia Andújar. 

Listen to president of the Orchard Gardens Residents Association Valerie Shelly, architect of Orchard Park/Orchard Gardens re-development Fernando Domenech, and architect of Orchard Park/Orchard Alberto Cárdenas.