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Council approves conversion of Hennessy House into 51 affordable studio apartments
Summary
The Lynn City Council unanimously granted a special permit to Affordable Housing Associates of Lynn to convert the Hennessy House at 48–52 Andrew Street from a lodging house into 51 small studio apartments, with on-site services and city funding commitments cited in council correspondence.
The Lynn City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a special permit for Affordable Housing Associates of Lynn Inc. to convert the Hennessy House at 48–52 Andrew Street from a lodging house into 51 studio apartments.
Attorney Jake Apano, representing Affordable Housing Associates of Lynn, told the council the building will be renovated to provide private bathrooms and kitchenettes in each unit and an on‑site service center on the first floor for social services, case management and programming. “Upon completion, the building will have 51 small studio apartments, and it’s 100% affordable,” Apano said.
Council President John M. Walsh and Council Vice President Diana Chikudis submitted a letter to the council saying the city has committed municipal funds to the project; the letter listed $2,000,000 from HOME program funds, $3,000,000 in local city funding, and $1,250,000 from ESG‑CV funds. The letter described the project as “a vital contribution to Lynn’s inclusive growth” and urged approval.
Wendy Joseph, curator of the Grand Army of the Republic building next door, said neighbors welcome the changes and expect the renovation to improve the street. Resident Calvin Anderson, speaking in favor, called the building “a good use” and said it will help revitalize the downtown.
Councilors asked about timelines and compliance with the city’s inclusionary zoning. Apano said financing was expected to close in June and construction to follow, and he said the project would comply with Lynn’s inclusionary zoning requirements. Councilor Diana Chikudis moved approval; a second was given and the motion carried on a unanimous roll call.
The approved special permit converts existing shared‑bath lodging units to individual studio apartments and allows the first‑floor service space to operate in support of residents. City officials said the project had already secured multiple funding commitments and that the city had also provided ARPA funds as part of the financing package.
Next steps: project financing is expected to close in June, after which the developer plans to begin construction and program setup for the on‑site services center.
