20 Rutland Square, South End

Project will fulfill late artists’ hopes for
a legacy of affordable housing for artists and the disabled

Artists James and Joyce Reed had a vision for the community legacy they wanted to pass on when they died. They envisioned their brownstone not just as a home, but as a small community where local artists, people facing hardships, and people with disabilities could live affordably, within an environmentally friendly setting.

The Reeds also saw in the renovation process, itself, an opportunity to provide training for people who want to develop vocational skills and gain experience to increase their employability as skilled laborers.

Now, through a transformation of their former home, at 20 Rutland Square in Boston’s South End, YouthBuild Boston has helped realize their vision. The renovation design revolves around three levels of access for future occupants: financial access for people with limited income, physical access for people who use wheelchairs, and social access for artists and others whose past behaviors limit their options for housing. The design for the renovated structure was developed by architects Joan and Josh Wood, from Joan Wood Associates. It incorporates the use of eco-friendly building technologies, including a co-generation heating system, a green roof, bamboo flooring and countertops, and energy efficient windows and appliances.

As part of their training, students from YouthBuild Boston's Construction Training Program participated in various aspects of the restoration of the property, including carpentry, landscaping, drywall and plastering, plumbing, HVAC systems, and more.