We Noticed! The Pryde
Written by Chris Roberts, loyal volunteer and supporter for both Keep Hyde Park Beautiful and The Pryde
The Keep Hyde Park Beautiful (KHPB) "We Noticed" choice for June 2024 is the about-to-open LBGTQ Senior Housing, The Pryde, because it is a model of attractive, green/sustainable, and community-minded development in Hyde Park. Plus, with landscaping in full mode and the construction netting and chain link fences GONE, how could we NOT notice??!
Right from the start, it's been evident that every detail has been considered, pondered, and chosen. The fact that the building was a restoration project of the former William Barton Rogers School vs. demolition of that beautiful building was the initial gift to the community.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the Rogers School emptied and items sorted in the first phase, then giving away as much as possible. Boston public school teachers were contacted first to see if whiteboards, easels, microwaves, bubblers, microscopes, gym equipment, art supplies, and computers could be utilized rather than sent to a landfill. Hundreds of items found homes with very grateful teacher recipients, and then the scope opened to other Hyde Park residents with many folks, including local churches and organizations, taking desks and chairs by the dozens!
To maintain the historical integrity of the building’s interior, door moldings were saved and labeled, lab tables were rescued and restored, and a piano was refurbished for the large auditorium. Original blackboards have also been saved and reinstalled in many units, further preserving the feel of the school.
Outside, parking will be primarily on the street, with a few spaces set aside for handicapped parking. An EV charging station has also been installed on site. When I arrived for my latest tour, the first thing I saw was an accessible raised bed system for gardening for residents who can't easily kneel or bend, or might be gardening from a wheelchair. Pathways in the garden area, which was the old courtyard out back, will function as a tranquil, restful area, away from street noise and adjacent to a sunroom.
Inside, I took in the units themselves, which are accessible in all 74 new homes. Doors open hands-free, countertops are lower to meet ADA guidelines, doorways are wide and floors have no thresholds, eliminating challenging access. The entire building is electric, using no fossil fuels, and is Leed Silver certification-eligible. Two elevators and lifts provide access to all floors. Community space will be available for future gatherings, which Hyde Park has been sadly lacking for years. And proudly, the 54th Regiment will have an office and home for their artifacts and outreach going forward, keeping their organization in Hyde Park where it originated!
We are excited about this new development and appreciative of all the extra effort that went into making it attractive, sustainable, and community-centered. Plus, The Pryde is setting a national example of what can happen to alleviate the need for senior housing that is welcoming and safe for the LBGTQ community, and it is happening here in Hyde Park.
The bottom line is, we are proud to have The Pryde in our community!
Past We Noticed! Recipients:
January 2019: Rincon Caribeño Restaurant
April 2019: Parkway Cleansing Company
July 2019: Christie Dustman & Company
October 2019: Central Paint & True Value
January 2020: Grew Elementary School
April 2020: Cappy's Pizzeria
July 2020: Essence of Thyme & Cravings (ETC.)
October 2020: Antonio's Bacaro
January 2021: Boston Prep
April 2021: Coffee Break Cafe
October 2021: Dress With Confidence
January 2022: The Switch Co-op
April 2022: Boston Acupuncture Project
April 2023: We Grow Microgreens
August 2023: Business Street businesses: Kevin Cradock Builders, Harrison Refrigeration, DevYap Realty, O&J Signs, McMahon Plumbing & Heating
Written by Chris Roberts, loyal volunteer and supporter for both Keep Hyde Park Beautiful and The Pryde
The Keep Hyde Park Beautiful (KHPB) "We Noticed" choice for June 2024 is the about-to-open LBGTQ Senior Housing, The Pryde, because it is a model of attractive, green/sustainable, and community-minded development in Hyde Park. Plus, with landscaping in full mode and the construction netting and chain link fences GONE, how could we NOT notice??!
Right from the start, it's been evident that every detail has been considered, pondered, and chosen. The fact that the building was a restoration project of the former William Barton Rogers School vs. demolition of that beautiful building was the initial gift to the community.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the Rogers School emptied and items sorted in the first phase, then giving away as much as possible. Boston public school teachers were contacted first to see if whiteboards, easels, microwaves, bubblers, microscopes, gym equipment, art supplies, and computers could be utilized rather than sent to a landfill. Hundreds of items found homes with very grateful teacher recipients, and then the scope opened to other Hyde Park residents with many folks, including local churches and organizations, taking desks and chairs by the dozens!
To maintain the historical integrity of the building’s interior, door moldings were saved and labeled, lab tables were rescued and restored, and a piano was refurbished for the large auditorium. Original blackboards have also been saved and reinstalled in many units, further preserving the feel of the school.
Outside, parking will be primarily on the street, with a few spaces set aside for handicapped parking. An EV charging station has also been installed on site. When I arrived for my latest tour, the first thing I saw was an accessible raised bed system for gardening for residents who can't easily kneel or bend, or might be gardening from a wheelchair. Pathways in the garden area, which was the old courtyard out back, will function as a tranquil, restful area, away from street noise and adjacent to a sunroom.
Inside, I took in the units themselves, which are accessible in all 74 new homes. Doors open hands-free, countertops are lower to meet ADA guidelines, doorways are wide and floors have no thresholds, eliminating challenging access. The entire building is electric, using no fossil fuels, and is Leed Silver certification-eligible. Two elevators and lifts provide access to all floors. Community space will be available for future gatherings, which Hyde Park has been sadly lacking for years. And proudly, the 54th Regiment will have an office and home for their artifacts and outreach going forward, keeping their organization in Hyde Park where it originated!
We are excited about this new development and appreciative of all the extra effort that went into making it attractive, sustainable, and community-centered. Plus, The Pryde is setting a national example of what can happen to alleviate the need for senior housing that is welcoming and safe for the LBGTQ community, and it is happening here in Hyde Park.
The bottom line is, we are proud to have The Pryde in our community!
Past We Noticed! Recipients:
January 2019: Rincon Caribeño Restaurant
April 2019: Parkway Cleansing Company
July 2019: Christie Dustman & Company
October 2019: Central Paint & True Value
January 2020: Grew Elementary School
April 2020: Cappy's Pizzeria
July 2020: Essence of Thyme & Cravings (ETC.)
October 2020: Antonio's Bacaro
January 2021: Boston Prep
April 2021: Coffee Break Cafe
October 2021: Dress With Confidence
January 2022: The Switch Co-op
April 2022: Boston Acupuncture Project
April 2023: We Grow Microgreens
August 2023: Business Street businesses: Kevin Cradock Builders, Harrison Refrigeration, DevYap Realty, O&J Signs, McMahon Plumbing & Heating