Developer plans to demolish, rebuild Franklin Hills housing

One of Boston's more troubled public housing projects is about to get a makeover.

Trinity Financial Inc., a Boston-based private developer, and the Boston Housing Authority are putting the finishing touches on an $87 million plan to raze the 366-unit Franklin Hill apartments in Dorchester and replace it with a 350-unit mix of apartments and townhouse condominiums.

''We want to make it more like a traditional urban neighborhood with doors that open onto the street and backyards behind the units," said Kenan Bigby, project manager for Trinity. ''It's sort of isolated now with pockets of undefended space. It lends itself to the social ills we are trying to correct."

Situated off Blue Hill Avenue near Franklin Park, Franklin Hill has been troubled by gangs, drugs, and violence in recent years. The nine brick buildings in Franklin Hill were built in 1952.

''It's in rough shape," Bigby said. ''The buildings are near the end of their productive lives."

The development has considerable potential, according to Bigby. It is on public transportation, and near two large park and recreation areas -- Franklin Park and Franklin Field. The site is ideal for families, he said.

Trinity plans to start demolition in the fall, with the 128-apartment first phase of construction completed in about 18 months. Then, demolition of the remaining buildings would begin, followed by construction of 172 apartments and 50 townhouse condominiums. The entire 19-building project is expected to take four years to complete.

''The goal is to provide quality affordable housing to serve low-income families and to provide some upward mobility through the home ownership units," Bigby said.

ROBERT PREER