Lucerne Gardens

Lucerne Gardens is a small, community-oriented housing opportunity in the Franklin Field area of Dorchester, very accessible to the rest of Boston and all it has to offer.

The community includes a diverse mix of people who reside in two- and three-bedroom colorfully painted townhomes in 19 buildings spread over several city blocks. There are 18 two-bedroom townhomes and 27 three-bedroom townhomes, for a total of 45 apartments. All are geared to individuals earning 30-60 percent of area median income.

The homes feature Victorian style wood clapboards and cedar shingles, pitched roofs with dormers and bay windows, wrap around porches, and generous landscaping. All homes include amenities such as washer/dryer connections, dishwashers, self-cleaning ovens, and off street parking. There is a community center and an onsite playground.

In February 1993, the city transferred title to Trinity Financial of 21 contiguous, vacant lots that had been notorious for trash and rubble, drug dealers and other nefarious characters. By the end of the year, the new Lucerne Gardens stood as a model for other sites around the city, demonstrating that it was possible to take back neighborhoods and make them livable again. The redevelopment has enjoyed nearly 100 percent occupancy since it opened and received a Presidential Design Award. Lucerne Gardens was updated again in 2012.

Residents have participated in National Night Out, the citywide celebration that enhances community empowerment and fortifies relationships among the residents, the police and other community agencies. The residents also meet once a month to discuss issues and concerns within the community.

Lucerne is an environmentally conscious property and has adapted healthy living standards.