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Historic commission issues letters supporting Brightwood School redevelopment’s historic tax and program funding filings
Summary
The commission voted to send two letters of support — one for the Massachusetts historic tax credit process and another for state project eligibility — for a proposed 55‑unit senior housing redevelopment of the Brightwood (471 Plainfield Street) school announced by MPZ Development and partners.
The Springfield Historic Commission voted April 17 to issue two letters of support for the Brightwood School redevelopment at 471 Plainfield Street: one supporting the project’s filing for Massachusetts historic tax credits and another supporting a state project eligibility request tied to funding and Chapter 40B processes.
MPZ Development partner Matthew Zahler and community representative Jose Claudio presented the proposal to convert the former school into a 55‑unit senior housing development with a new, all‑electric passive‑house addition, accessible circulation, on‑site parking and community space. Zahler said the team has filed the federal historic tax credit application with the National Park Service and will seek state historic tax credits and a site eligibility letter; the presenters asked the commission for local letters of support for the state submissions.
Commissioners reviewed the project elevations, the proposed connector to bring the building to current code and accessibility standards, and renderings showing a new passive‑house addition and neighborhood‑facing improvements. Commissioners emphasized preservation of interior woodwork and other character‑defining features and asked that rehabilitation follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards as the team proceeds with the state and federal review processes.
The commission voted to issue the two letters of support — one addressed to the Massachusetts Historic Commission process and the other supporting state tax‑credit / project eligibility filings — and recorded the votes without objection.
