Kaplan Construction Started McDevitt Senior Homes

Work began in July 2026 on a $15.7 million project to transform a former convent into 36 units of senior housing.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration depicting a historic brick building under structural renovation, framed within a clean, muted-color urban volume. — Kaplan Construction has officially commenced a $15.7 million project to convert the historic former St. Augustine's Convent in South Boston into 36 senior housing units. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kaplan Construction began work on the McDevitt Senior Homes project in South Boston, which officially broke ground on August 20, 2026. The 31,000-square-foot development will convert the former St. Augustine's Convent into 36 affordable housing units.

Why it matters

The project addresses local demand for affordable housing by repurposing historic property into specialized senior living facilities. It utilizes a mix of public and private funding to secure these new residential options for the community.

The project budget totals $15.7 million for a 31,000-square-foot building. It includes a 30% MBE and 10% WBE subcontracting participation goal.

The players

Kaplan Construction

This construction firm is serving as the lead contractor for the conversion of the former convent.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston

This institution is a regional wholesale bank that provided $850,000 in funding for the development.

Mayor's Office of Housing

This city agency oversaw the allocation of funds to support the development of affordable senior housing.

The details

The development involves a full interior renovation and exterior restoration of the former St. Augustine's Convent, paired with a new addition constructed at the rear of the property. This conversion aims to provide 36 total housing units at the South Boston site.

Construction began on the project in July 2026.
The project officially broke ground on August 20, 2026.

Market Landscape

This project aligns with the trend of adaptive reuse in urban real estate, where historic structures are repurposed to meet modern housing needs. It reflects an industry shift toward integrating affordable units into existing neighborhoods through public-private partnerships.

The conversion will provide 36 housing units specifically for seniors in the South Boston area. Local residents may see increased construction activity at the 207 E St. site until the project is completed.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates the viability of restoring older community landmarks to serve critical demographic needs. Adaptive reuse projects offer a sustainable way for cities to expand housing capacity without relying solely on new ground-up development.