Lynn Waterworks building demolished

LYNN – It has been a somewhat lengthy process, but the final result will be what neighbors of the old Waterworks building on Walnut Street were clear they wanted: The building has been demolished to make way for a new housing development.The Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development, in conjunction with the Lynn Community Development Housing Corporation, took down the building to build five single-family homes and two 2-family homes.The LCDHC previously built five single-family homes on the back part of the property, the last of which was sold Feb. 25.Because the property was deemed “architecturally significant” by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the LCDHC had to agree to some conditions in order to get approval for demolition of the building. One was that it contract with a professional photographer to document for posterity the historic value of the site.”The pumping station was built in response to the Great Lynn Fire of 1889,” said Peggy Phelps, LHAND Neighborhood Development Manager. “That’s why the property was deemed ‘architecturally significant.’ When a property has that designation, you have to follow a process if you are going to be using federal funds, which we are.”Once the LCDHC received permission from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to demolish the building, it moved forward with getting a demolition permit from the city. It then began the process of salvaging some components of the building, such as the archway, which will be used in a commemorative garden on the property. Once the salvage operation was complete, building demolition began Wednesday.”The neighbors are pleased that it is coming down,” said Oliver Toomey, LCDHC board member. “Addressing the neighbors’ concerns has always been our first priority.”At a neighborhood meeting held at the site last summer, approximately 50 neighbors were in unanimous agreement that the 120-year-old building should be torn down.Ward 7 Councilor Rick Ford echoed those sentiments.”The neighbors are all on board,” Ford said. “They are pleased they have been kept updated throughout the process. They look forward to the new homes rejuvenating the neighborhood.”The original plan was to convert the Waterworks building into condominium units. But the deteriorating condition of the building and the downturn in the condo market made that option unfeasible.The first phase of the project saw five homes built – three on Flint Street and two on Childs. The next phase calls for five more homes – two on Flint and three on Childs – as well as two 2-family homes on Walnut Street. Phelps said those two buildings will look like mini-versions of the Waterworks building.The LCDHC has been on a roll of late, building and selling 17 homes in the last 18 months – 12 at Devlin Park on the site of the former Devlin Nursing Home and five on the back portion of the Waterworks property.”We remain committed to creating housing opportunities in neighborhoods throughout the city,” said LHAND Executive Director Charles Gaeta. “Our staff has done an admirable job of helping many families realize the dream of homeownership.”