The first phase of Anchor Point, a new affordable housing community, has opened in Beverly. 

Harborlight Community Partners, a Beverly-based non-profit, is developing the 5-acre project along with SV Design and Groom Construction.

Phase 1, which includes 38 of 77 units, will open its doors to residents in August. More than 600 applications were received for those 38 units which are geared toward essential workers and their families, as well as families affected by homelessness. 

Anchor Point broke ground on the project in June of 2021, which supports those who earn 60% or less of the area’s median income. Twenty percent of the development’s housing will be set aside for families who suffered homelessness.

The project is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding by the mayors of Beverly, Salem and Peabody to create more affordable housing for these north shore communities. 

Andrew DeFranza, executive director of Harborlight Homes said Anchor Point is the “manifestation of what we at Harborlight believe affordable homes should be; beautiful, energy efficient, dignified, service enriched and economically accessible.” 

“Workers we rely on every day cannot afford to live in our region. This challenges us to create spaces that mitigate housing insecurity and promote equity and inclusion in our region,” he said. “Anchor Point achieves this, while also serving as an example of how bold, local action can uplift our communities overall.” 

Each building will have a mix of two- and three-bedroom units with energy-efficient appliances, windows and lighting, as well as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, solar panels and sensor fixtures for water conservation. 

“Our team at SV Design is proud to have a hand in creating Anchor Point’s high-quality, economically modest homes for families to call their own,” said Thad Siemasko, SV Design’s founding principal. “It is of utmost importance to cultivate opportunities that provide equitable and sustainable housing and equip residents with amenities that bring convenience and a sense of community into their everyday lives. It is our hope that everyone moving in feels welcome, at home, and the intention behind these thoughtfully planned spaces.”

Construction of phase 2 is expected to begin in 2023 and will add 39 more homes. 

A third building, The Lighthouse Center, will round out the project, providing on-site child care, after-school programming, adult education, a teaching kitchen, financial counseling, health care visits and more. The campus, along with TLC, will offer community gathering areas, playgrounds, walking paths, community gardens, a playing field and more.