The French Naturalization Club on Spencer Avenue, which had hosted countless athletic banquets, wedding receptions, and major Chelsea political events over the years, was demolished last Friday to make room for affordable housing.
The demolition began Friday after crews secured the site on Thursday. The old Function Hall, a venue familiar to many from political gatherings and youth sports banquets of years past, was razed. In its later years, the Club had declined in prominence, and a murder occurred there during a party several years ago.
Following that incident, the Club closed and remained vacant until The Neighborhood Developers (TND) acquired the property for an affordable housing development.
When Mill Hill residents discovered TND’s plans late in the process, the development became a point of contention in the neighborhood.
A contentious community discussion ensued two years ago, which resulted in modifications to the original proposal and the return of the Spencer Avenue Extension to the City to preserve vehicle access.
The final project will consist of 34 units of affordable rental housing in a new structure. The building will include a community space on the ground floor and ground-floor units with front porches that will activate the streetscape.
According to City Manager Tom Ambrosino, TND has secured both permits and financing and is prepared to move forward with construction.