Developer eyes Goddard House for hotel, housing

S. HUNTINGTON—Tom Donnelly, who was involved with the construction of the new EnVision Hotel, told the Gazette he is interested in developing the now-vacant Goddard House into either an assisted-living facility or another hotel.

The EnVision Hotel opened this year at 81 S. Huntington Ave.

Donnelly, who is a contractor and developer based in Dorchester, also said that several months ago he was told by a Goddard employee that the organization was expected to issue a request for proposals (RFP) soon.

According to spokesperson Diana Pisciotta, the Goddard House is still considering the next steps for the building.

“Because we do not anticipate using the building ourselves for future non-profit uses, we do expect the building will ultimately be put up for sale,” she said.  “However, we have not yet begun that process, nor have we proactively reached out to any potential developers.”

The Goddard House, which is located at 201 S. Huntington Ave., was a nursing home that ceased operations on Sept. 8. The enormous brick building was constructed in 1927 and housed about 100 seniors.

Donnelly said the plans for the Goddard House would be up to what the neighborhood wants.

“I understand their concerns with traffic,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly also said he stopped in at 201 S. Huntington Ave. three months ago because he heard it was for sale. He was told by an employee that Goddard would be issuing a RFP at the end of the month. After not hearing back, he called multiple times without a response.

This story has been updated with comment from the Goddard House.

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