Beacon Communities Honored With 2018 NAHMA Vanguard Award
July 30, 2018 - By The Real Reporter
LYNN–Beacon Communities has been presented the 2018 Vanguard Award from the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) for the rehabilitation of St. Stephen’s Tower Apartments. The site was originally constructed in 1976 by the St. Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church and is now a 10-story, 130-apartment rental community for senior citizens. This award recognizes Beacon’s innovation and partnering efforts with the Church.
In March of 2013, the Church selected Beacon to partner with them to preserve the affordability of St. Stephen’s Tower and execute the rendition of the building and grounds. The project was completed in 2015 with many new renovations, including the installation of a new roof, a replacement of existing systems, new windows, repairs to the building façade, and renovation of the kitchens and baths. All new Energy Star interior and exterior lighting were placed, along with accessibility improvements throughout the building, including raised beds, a new patio, bocce court, and walkways. A fitness center, computer learning center, wellness center, and a large common room with a kitchen were also constructed in support of Beacon’s New Wellness Program.
President of Beacon Communities Development, Dara Kovel, spoke on behalf of the company and its collaboration with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. “We are proud of this award and our partnership with the Church…the development was made possible by the financial assistance provided by myriad local and state financial partner…as a result of our combined efforts, we were able to undertake the much-needed renovations and preserve the affordability of this very important housing resource,” extolled Kovel. “We want to thank the City of Lynn for their support, as well as the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, MassHousing, the Cambridge Housing Authority, the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation,” acknowledged Kovel.
Dara Kovel