Providence Journal: New life for vacant buildings in Olneyville

By Christine Dunn

Journal Staff Writer

Saturday, December 02, 2017

PROVIDENCE - Foreclosed and abandoned properties that had become magnets for criminal activity in Olneyville were targeted for inclusion in Amherst Gardens, ONE Neighborhood Builders' newest development.

ONB purchased 13 distressed properties for Amherst Gardens, and they were “strategically selected” for their nuisance effect, high visibility, proximity to existing ONB properties, and the positive impact their improvement would have on surrounding homes, according to Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins. Eight buildings had to be demolished and replaced with new homes; the others were renovated.

The result of the $10.4-million development is 36 new affordable apartments and 2 new commercial spaces in the Amherst Street neighborhood.

Hawkins joked that her predecessors, including former executive directors Frank Shea and Michael DeVos, “were really good at buying crummy properties.”

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Courtesy of Providence Journal