Austin, TX Visits Boston: The Pryde in Hyde Park

Stop one of our Boston tour took us to The Pryde, a groundbreaking LGBTQ-friendly senior housing development located in Hyde Park. Executive Director Gretchen Van Ness graciously guided us through the facility, offering insights into its thoughtful design and purpose. Our discussions spanned key topics such as adaptive reuse and building preservation given the building’s previous roots as a middle school.

We also had the opportunity to delve into the specifics of The Pryde’s funding model and explore how Massachusetts programs compare to similar initiatives in Austin. The Pryde stands out as the first LGBTQ+ friendly affordable senior housing community MA. This pioneering project is more than just a residence; it is a vibrant testament to the power of inclusivity and collaboration in creating housing solutions that respect and honor the diverse identities of seniors.

We were joined by Austin Council Member Zo Qadri, staff from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s Office, staff from Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool’s office, Austin Council Member Chito Vela’s office, members of the Mayor’s Office of Housing as well as Councilor Pepén, and team members from Abundant Housing MA.