The City of Boston’s Office to Residential Conversion Program has been extended ahead of its scheduled expiration at the end of this month. The program, which formally launched in October of 2023, has received 22 applications to convert 1.2 million square feet of office space across 27 buildings into 1,517 new homes, including 284 income-restricted units, exceeding initial city goals.

Four projects totaling 236 units are currently under construction, and one of the first buildings to apply for the program, at 281 Franklin St. with 15 units, has already been fully tenanted. A total of 251 units are either under construction or completed. The Planning Department officially recommended and received approval for the extension of the program at the December BPDA Board meeting. 

“As Boston continues to take action to drive down housing costs, the Office to Residential Conversion program is critical to building a more affordable Boston for all residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By expanding the program and building a pipeline of over 1,500 new units of housing, we are building the foundation for a stronger and more vibrant downtown and neighborhoods.”