OWNERSHIP
CONDITIONS
HISTORY
DESIGN ISSUES
PLANNING PROCESSES

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OWNERSHIP:
City of Boston

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CONDITIONS:
While the section of Blue Hill Avenue along Franklin Park has undergone a period of revitalization and rebuilding, the section of Blue Hill Avenue north of Grove Hall is still in the midst of this process. Many vacant buildings and vacant lots remain. However, an eclectic group of institutions, schools, businesses, churches, and non-profits contribute significantly to the area. In 2002, even the larger vacant lots appeared better cared for than they have in previous years. The construction boom that has spurred new development and redevelopment in the vicinity of the Grove Hall Mecca Mall could spread north along the Blue Hill Avenue corridor.

Local institutions include the First Haitian Baptist Church, a natural herbs store, non-profit operations such as Street Peace and Women Connecting Affecting Change, a new and used furniture store, and a private school for neighborhood girls with limited means called the Mother Caroline Academy.

The First Haitian Baptist Church is housed in a stunning Late Romanesque Revival former Jewish temple that is a major landmark in the area. Mother Caroline Education Center offers academic and life skills classes to children and adults ranging from basic reading and writing to specialized computer skills.

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HISTORY:
Race riots:
This area was impacted severely by the June 2, 1967 race riots. A 1967 description of the neighborhood byThe Boston Globe  describes this section of the street as having plywood boards covering store windows that were broken during the riots, and mentions that many of the stores were vacant before the riots began. The area has experienced tremendous revitalization since that time, and the Grove Hall Mecca Mall represents a major success for area residents. But blighted sections remain.

First Haitian Baptist Church:
The First Haitian Baptist Church building was built as the Blue Hill Avenue Synagogue in 1905, when this area was at the center of Jewish life in Boston. The temple was sold to Ecclesia Apostolic in 1967 when the Jewish population was in the process of moving out. The First Haitian Baptist Church purchased the building in 1978 and restored it to its present state. (Historical Landmarks Commission). The Church is located on 397 Blue Hill Avenue.

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DESIGN ISSUES:
Developable land:
This area also has an abundance of developable land. In August 2002, there were approximately 34 vacant lots available for development from the City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) north of Grove Hall Mecca between Devon Street and Lawrence Street. Housing is being erected in this area at a rapid rate, and renovations to existing housing are also common.

As a result of investment in Blue Hill Avenue by the City and private partners, as well as coordination among business owners along the Avenue, there have been recent improvements on this stretch of Blue Hill Avenue. Some stores have new, coordinated signs and attractive storefronts. Other buildings in close proximity are still boarded up or in need of significant renovations.

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PLANNING PROCESSES:
Long Bay Management, a minority-owned developer, is rehabilitating the Silva Building at the corner of Warren Street and Blue Hill Avenue. The HeritageFlag Company is moving near the intersection of Intervale Street and Blue Hill Avenue and five artist's lofts will be built above the factory. Habitat for Humanity plans to construct 22 affordable homes on a large vacant lot just north of Intervale on Blue Hill Avenue, ("Blue Hill Upgrade," March 31, 2003).

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