Mental Health Assoc. to Cut Ribbon at Magazine Commons Nov. 23

SPRINGFIELD — The Mental Health Assoc. (MHA) will hold a ribbon cutting and opening reception at Magazine Commons, located at 143 Magazine St. in Springfield, on Monday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m.

Magazine Commons is a 16-unit affordable-housing development that was constructed as a replacement for housing at 145 Union St. which was destroyed by the 2011 tornado. MHA worked with the city of Springfield to acquire the land along Magazine Street to create this new facility.

Magazine Commons was designed by Studio One Inc. of Springfield, and N.L. Construction of Ludlow is the general contractor. The project is as an architecturally compatible addition to the neighboring McKnight Historic District that aligns with the city’s revitalization efforts. Magazine Commons represents a significant investment in the Magazine and Worthington neighborhood, including sidewalks, lighting, neighborhood stabilization, and brownfields development.

“MHA is incredibly proud of this project,” said Joan Ingersoll, MHA’s president and CEO. “It has been a joy and a privilege to participate in the creation of such exceptional housing. Magazine Commons will be a new beginning for 16 people who are filled with enthusiasm about their new residence. This opening represents the culmination of a lengthy process that required the investment and dedication of many people and partners. MHA is grateful to the city of Springfield and the state of Massachusetts for their ongoing collaboration and support.”

Magazine Commons, which is a HUD 202 project for people with disabilities, received funding and support from the following partners: the city of Springfield, the Mass. Department of Housing and Community Development, the Mass. Community Development Assistance Corp., the Mass. Department of Mental Health, the Mass. Development Authority, the Affordable Housing Program of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, and People’s United Bank.

MHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing residential and support services that promote independence, community engagement, and wellness for people impacted by mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, homelessness, and other challenges. It was founded in 1960 and serves more than 400 people annually throughout Greater Springfield.