'Dump' to 'gorgeous' apartments — See inside redo of downtown Brockton's tallest building
BROCKTON — On a clear day, Brockton's newest apartment building boasts Boston skyline views.
Tuesday was cloudy. But a tour of downtown's tallest building did offer a glimpse of the transit-oriented future that city leaders have been working to make real.
"Today is an historic day in the city of Brockton," Mayor Robert F. Sullivan told a crowd of about 70 developers, bankers, construction bosses, politicians and media at the ribbon cutting for 93 Centre St. "When you think about Brockton, you don't necessarily think about jumping on a train and getting into South Station in 35 minutes or jumping in a car and getting to Providence, Rhode Island in about the same time."
The 8-story edifice known to many Brocktonians as the old Furniture Building is now The Anglim, a 55-unit apartment building.
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Once home to the United Shoe Company, the 118-year-old building had fallen into disrepair. In 2015, developer Ted Carman began a nearly 9-year battle to redevelop the property. The long gestation spanned three mayors, an imminent domain taking by the city, two years in court with the former owner and white-knuckle worries over financing.
"For some of us who have been in this city for a long time, we remember what the building looked like," said the second of those mayors, City Councilor Moises Rodrigues. "And I'm not going to call it a dump. But it was a dump."
It's not a dump anymore. The 55 apartments include studios, 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms. Rents start at $1,800 per month (studios), $2,000 (1-bedrooms) and $2,500 (2-bedrooms), said leasing agent Vahid Mashmasarmi. He said 28 leases have been signed. By April 1, the building will be 50% occupied, he said. Eleven of the units are so-called "affordable units," aimed at households making 80% or less of the area median income. For a family of three, that's $85,150 according to the most recent federal figures for the Brockton area.
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Panoramic views
On Tuesday, The Anglim offered tours of three 7th-floor apartments. A corner unit offered a kitchen with panoramic views through windows that are nearly floor-to-ceiling. The apartments are new construction nestled in the building's old but solid bones. There's a gym in the basement, bicycle storage, a system for secure pick-up of packages and, soon, a co-working space.
Adirio Almeida and Juceila Cardoso came to the ribbon-cutting, curious to see if it might be their next home. They and their three children live next door in the Station Lofts. Almeida, who covers Cape Verdean life in a Brockton Community Access show, liked what he saw. But since the building's largest units are only two-bedroom, they'll be staying put for now. Cardoso said the building, like many in Brockton, also lacked an outdoor play area for children.
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History of project includes battle with previous owner
"It has been a difficult process, but the building is in great shape and we're very proud of it," said Carman, who is president of Concord Square Planning & Development Inc.
Sullivan, in remarks before the ribbon-cutting, said Carman's company showed foresight.
"Many years ago they saw Brockton as an opportunity where many people didn't," the third-term mayor said.
The project survived multiple hurdles including an owner who would not leave and financing fall-throughs.
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"To take something like this on, in the early days when we first started to think about it, there has to be an enormous amount of trust because there are so many problems that have to be solved," said Carman, pointing to a spot where he sat at a table with the then-owner in August 2015.
"The difficulty has been very substantial," Carman said. "It really is wonderful to work in a city where [there's] so much commitment to making the city a better place."
Ward 5 City Councilor Jeff Thompson said he has toured the building many times over the years. In brief remarks, he complimented the result.
"I always saw the potential in this building and then as I recently toured this building, Ted, you have by far exceeded my expectations," Thompson said. "This is a gorgeous building."
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Residents may remain skeptical of the strategy of attracting Boston commuters, but several officials said The Anglim represents the kind of success that shows other developers that Brockton is worth the investment.
"The price point is real. You can come here and get some really great value," Sullivan said. "With the housing will come the other amenities. If you build it, they will come."
City Councilor Jack Lally of Ward 7 noted that residents can look down directly on the Commuter Rail platform and see if they've missed their train already. "It's a beautiful building. It's been beautifully done," he said while touring one of the units on the seventh floor. "We are just really happy to see this kind of thing get built. It is a sign that this can work, that this can be done."
Wondering about a vacant building, construction site or other sign of change in or near Brockton? I’m veteran local reporter Chris Helms and I’ll help you find out. Email your questions and tips to CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on X at @HelmsNews.
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton's Furniture Building transformed into 'gorgeous' apartments
