With renovations underway at the historic Lenox Street Apartments in Roxbury, some longtime Lenox families have begun returning to newly modern units, and they could not be happier.

At over eight decades old, the 285-unit federal public housing community was due for some improvements. This ongoing project, led by Beacon Communities, includes extensive renovations to modernize and upgrade the units, provide better quality of life for residents, all while preserving their deep affordability.

Lenox residents J’Adore Latus and Vicky Santana Pena were beyond excited to move into their newly renovated units.

“It feels like I’m on vacation!” said Latus, who has lived in public housing at Lenox for 12 years. “I wake up in the morning and I can’t believe that this is where I live now. I feel so grateful to the BHA and Beacon for making this possible for me and my family. We are so lucky!”

Improvements include masonry repairs; new decentralized heating and hot water systems; new security cameras, windows and exterior doors; life-safety improvements; installation of solar thermal panels on each building; new building intercoms; new kitchen and bath flooring, lighting, cabinets, countertops, energy efficient appliances, sinks, drains, faucets, tubs/shower pans and surrounds; ventilation and air quality improvements, in-unit washers and dryers, accessibility improvements, common area upgrades, landscaping, dumpster enclosures and stair railings.

After the completion of the apartment buildings, renovations will culminate with the creation of a brand new, state of the art community building.  The new community building will provide spaces to enhance Beacon’s existing wellness programming, such as a new fitness center, music room, computer learning center and more.

All 285 units at Lenox Street Apartments will remain deeply affordable through the Federal Section 8 Project-Based Voucher program.