On July 8th at noon, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción celebrated the re-opening of several newly remodeled community spaces. Joined by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, funders, sponsors, residents and other officials, IBA celebrated the ribbon cutting of over 5,000 square feet of renovated space at 100 West Dedham Street. In these new spaces, IBA will continue to provide services for residents, youth, activities for elders, and technology classes in the South End area.
The investment for this project is estimated to be over $2 million. This project is a great example of what IBA has already built and continues investing in its community to promote educational and recreational activities. “Projects like these keep our city vibrant, safe and our community empowered,” said Mayor Walsh during the inauguration ceremony. He also recognized various residents who have been highly involved with the community and who have helped to spread spreading a positive impact throughout the neighborhood.
He spoke about IBA’s influence in the city. “IBA has known the secret of a great city for a long time. It’s more than housing; it’s more than community. It’s also about quality education,” he added. He also spoke about Boston’s affordable housing plan. “The housing plan of 53 thousand units came up because we had organizations like yours [IBA] that were pushing the city for housing every single day … It didn’t come from me, it came from residents here in the villa, by making sure that we do our work every single day here in the city of Boston —and I want to thank you for that.”
The renovation took one year, and these community spaces will host the following programs: Resident Services, Youth Center, Technology Center, Community Room, Security Offices, and a Laundry Facility. These programs will promote the capacity building, quality affordable housing, and direct services that IBA has been providing since 1968.
“We are excited about to reaffirm our organization’s values by bringing these community spaces to life”, shared Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, IBA’s CEO. “These spaces are energy-efficient as well as more functional and flexible for the growing demands of IBA’s programs; and of course, they are so beautiful!” added Calderón-Rosado.
Residents and staff were engaged in the design process to make these spaces fit the needs of the community and IBA’s programs. The next phase of the renovations will include common areas on the residential floors above the renovated community spaces. This phase will start in August and it is estimated to be completed in approximately nine months.
After the special messages, CEO Dr. Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, along with Mayor Walsh and several board members, cut the ribbon marking the official opening of the renovated spaces. All those in attendance were invited to see inside the building spaces where a musical band composed of residents from Villa Victoria played lively traditional music as refreshments were served. Residents danced and socialized as they celebrated this new chapter in their community.
IBA – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción empowers individuals through education, workforce development and arts programs, and creates vibrant affordable housing communities. It generates income through individual and corporate donations, grants, and supporter fundraising events.
