Real Estate Today: City conveys land to Urban Edge for rec center

The City recently conveyed 1 Ritchie St. to Urban Edge, which the community development corporation will use for the proposed Jackson Square Recreation Center.

Urban Edge paid the City a nominal price of $100 for the 5,970-square-foot land.

“We are very excited that Urban Edge has been selected as the developer for this important parcel of land in Jackson Square, bringing the Jackson Square Recreation Center​ even closer to becoming a reality,” said Sheila A. Dillon, director of the City’s Department of Neighborhood Development, said in a statement. “When Mayor Walsh took office, he directed us to bring City-owned land back to its highest, best use, and I can’t think of a better use than serving​ 3,000 young people by providing healthy activities and academic support t​o prepare them for college.”

Frank Shea, CEO of Urban Edge, said that the land acquisition is a “key part of the project,” and though the size of the land is small, it is significant as it allows for the facility to enhance its programming.

“This is one more way the mayor has shown robust leadership in support of the project,” said Shea.

The mayor visited Jackson Square in November to announce that the City was giving a $2 million grant toward the project.

The project will have two full stories, including a mezzanine, with an indoor ice rink and a year-round turf field. There will also be spaces to study and do homework. Urban Edge is continuing to fundraise for the project. Shea said the organization raised $5 million last fall.

 

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