Innovative Collaborations, Inc.

Ground breaking Ceremony - West Newton Armory Project into 43 Affordable units in Newton MA. What an amazing partnership from so many parties!

It was truly a wonderful day on so many levels. Antonio Smargiassi, our Founder and President enjoyed being apart of this and one of the many parts that made it happen. To make this a reality many parties needed to be involved, from City of Newton, to the State of Massachusetts, Mayor, State representative, multiple strategic partnerships, multiple funding sources, etc. etc. etc.!!!

Of the 43 apartments in the development, 15 apartments will be restricted to households earning up to 30% AMI,( that is deeply affordable) and 28 apartments will be restricted to households earning up to 60% AMI. Most of these units are 2 and 3 bedrooms making it perfect for families, what a great addition to a community like Newton – which is directly attached to Boston (a global city), adjacent to commuter rail, public transportation, wonderful neighborhood and thriving city center.

“This achievement is the culmination of nearly four years of strategic planning, collaboration, and careful attention to the many aspects of sensitively revitalizing an iconic building to serve people needing deeply affordable apartments,” Mayor Fuller said.

The start of this was the state sold the armory building to Newton for $1.00, in 2021; with the caveat that it would be used for affordable housing. Soon after it came by the Newton’s Community Preservation Commission (CPC) (which is matched by federal CPA funds for projects like this). The CPC ( Mr. Smargiassi is a member of CPC) got to hear the great proposal and funded $3,000,000 to get this moving.

Well, what was encouraging and shout out to Newton CPC members (and a plug for the CPC ), multiple parties at the ground breaking mentioned that the CPC funding early on gave the project locally credibility and momentum for others to step in and take it to the next level.

"Congratulations to all parties and this amazing successful endeavor. It's great to be a part of Newton and I saw dedicated people at this event that I know care and had hand in making this possible. Below are just a few; yet what was said by many involved the true joy will be for those 43 families that don't know it yet but will make their home here at 1135-1137 Washington Steet." Said Antonio Smargiassi

Please congratulate and thank all parties involved.

City of Newton, Massachusetts
Ruthanne Fuller
Secretary Ed Augustus
Senator Cynthia Cream
Representative Amy Sangiolo
MHP (Massachusetts Housing Partnership)
MassHousing
Metro West Collaborative Development
Civico
Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC)
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
First Citizens Bank
Red Stone Equity Partners LLC
Caitlin Madden
Paul Bouton
Mark Teden
Dana LeWinter
Amanda Roe
Barney Heath
Jonathan Yeo
Andreae Downs
Terry Morris
Taylor Bearden
Eliza Datta
Jennifer Hrabchak Molinsky
Judy Weber
Dan Brody
Susan Lunin
Mark Armstrong
Byron dunkers
Mollie Hutchings
Amanda Berman

Ground breaking Ceremony - West Newton Armory Project into 43 Affordable units in Newton MA. | Martin A. Smargiassi , AIA, NCARB Ground breaking Ceremony - West Newton Armory Project into 43 Affordable units in Newton MA. What an amazing partnership from so many parties! It was truly a wonderful day on so many levels. I enjoyed being apart of this and one of the many parts that made it happen. To make this a reality many part...