HUD Secretary's Best in American Living Award Winners 1998

Dove Street

Roxbury, Massachusetts

Sales Price of Unit Entered: $97,500

Median Home Price in the Metropolitan Statistical Area: $151,000

Description: Dove Street was the scene of a murder and multiple arrests for drugs between 1995 and 1996, and was identified under a City program called the Ten Most Wanted Drug Houses Task Force. This program was designed to acquire drug houses and convert them into family homes.

The project involved four parcels combined into two lots on which two new single family homes were constructed. The development cost for each house was approximately $185,000. One unit was purchased by a family of five with a household income of $32,500 (50 percent of median), the other unit was purchased by an individual with an income of $29,000 (80 percent of median).

Particular attention was given to the scale and orientation of the homes so that they would blend with the surrounding community. Elements such as porches, bay windows and gables were used to give richness to the homes. Both are fully landscaped, with fencing surrounding the entire property for security.

1998 Awards Winners