After being vacant for nearly 50 years, the former Foxborough State Hospital is set to undergo a transformation. It’s being converted into a 141-unit housing development. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the conversion and said the Walnut Street project will be financed by “millions of dollars in state and federal tax credits, subsidies and funding.”

The 16-acre property was home to the state hospital before it closed in 1975. It was given to the Foxborough Housing Authority from the state for creating affordable housing. Once construction is complete, it will become housing for those age 55 and older with 120 of the 141 units reserved for individuals and families earning less than 60% of the area median income, while 35 of those will be reserved for those earning less than 30%. 

The project is being developed through a partnership among Peabody Properties, the Affordable Housing Services Collaborative and Onyx, which is a new Black woman-owned developer specializing in affordable housing that focuses on equity and inclusion. The town of Foxborough worked collaboratively with the state on the development. 

Governor Maura Healey said these 141 homes represent a much-needed boost to the Bay State’s housing production and called them a prime example of how state-owned land can be utilized to meet the state’s housing needs. 

“We need to create more housing across the state to drive down costs and make Massachusetts a more affordable place for everyone,” Healthy said. “Developments like Walnut Street are a creative solution as we work to turn the tide of rising housing costs for our residents.” 

The utilization of surplus state land for housing is a key part of the administration’s strategy to meet housing demand and drive down costs for residents. 

“Rising housing costs are impacting people across Massachusetts, especially our older residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By reserving these new homes for those age 55 and older and making the majority of them affordable, we’re sending a message that we value our long-time Massachusetts residents and want them to stay in the state they helped make a great place to live.”