1974: The Victory
The highway is defeated! The proposed 8-lane “Southwest Expressway” would have slashed through Boston neighborhoods from Roxbury to I-95 in Dedham. A coalition of neighborhood activists, historic preservationists, urban environmentalists, and mass transit advocates came together to defeat the initiative.
1975-1976: Planning for the Future
A Jamaica Plain activist testifies about redlining before the US Senate, contributing to the landmark 1977 Community Reinvestment Act. In 1976, activists led an 18-month planning process involving 150 residents to answer the question “what do we want for our community?”
1977-1978: Incorporation & Action
JPNDC is incorporated! Through one of its first programs, Tradewinds, JPNDC works with young people to renovate 57 homes along the Southwest Corridor.
1980-1983: Saving The Brewery
Federal grants are approved to renovate The Brewery and develop the Angela Westover House. JPNDC buys the Haffenreffer Brewery complex. JPNDC’s first housing project, the Angela Westover House, opens for seniors.
1985: Anchor Tenants
JPNDC spearheads the JP Community Planning Coalition. The Brewery gains its anchor tenant: the Boston Beer Company, brewer of Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
1989-1990: Forest Glen
Tenants and activists organize to protect Forest Hills St. and Glen Road; JPNDC buys and develops the property as the Forest Glen Cooperative.
1993: Award-Winning Design
Designed with deep engagement, the 43-unit Hyde Square Cooperative replaces lots destroyed by arson. The coop wins an award for Excellence in Design.
1996: Jackson Square Supermarket
The Jackson Square Stop & Shop and Martha Eliot Health Center open. The project creates a food oasis as the first major supermarket to open in Boston’s inner city in more than 15 years.
1997-1998: Human Development
JPNDC pilots three new programs: jobs, childcare, and small business. In 1998, the 45-unit Nate Smith House opens for low-income seniors.
2003: Catherine Gallagher Coop
Named after activist Kay Gallagher, this 34-unit cooperative transforms Heath Street, repairing damage from arson and institutional expansion.
2006: Julia Martin House
The 56-unit Julia Martin House opens on the Mildred Hailey campus. The Brewery opens its Amory Street side with Ula Café and other local businesses.
2010-2016: Housing & Respite
36 families move into the Doña Betsaida Gutiérrez Cooperative. In 2016, JPNDC completes the Francis Grady Apartments and Stacy Kirkpatrick House for formerly homeless individuals.
2023: Center for Equity & Prosperity
JPNDC raises $2.2 million to renovate 31 Germania Street as the Center for Equity & Prosperity, a state-of-the-art home for economic mobility services.
2024: New Strategies
JPNDC pilots first-generation homeownership at Brookley Flats and launches RAMWP, linking housing with wellness and financial incentives.
2025: Expanding Horizons
Family Childcare grows to 110+ providers. 100% of contracts ($38.7 million) awarded to Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises.
