On September 22, 2026, the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal gave the green light to a redevelopment project that will transform the former Boston Baptist Hospital nurses’ school and dormitory into a residential complex of 103 apartments. The decision, taken at a regular board meeting, authorizes an $18 million investment to adapt the historic 1922 building located at 85 Parker Hill Avenue in the Mission Hill neighborhood.
The project will preserve the building’s historic exterior, a requirement emphasized by the board during its review. In addition to the existing façade, the plan calls for the construction of a roof deck and the installation of modern mechanical equipment to meet current housing standards. The new amenities are intended to complement the structure’s early‑20th‑century architecture while providing contemporary living spaces.
EGA Architects, the design firm hired for the conversion, outlined the scope of work in the board’s public hearing. According to the submitted plans, the redevelopment will retain the original masonry and window patterns, with interior reconfiguration to accommodate the 103 separate units. The architects also detailed the integration of the roof deck, which will sit atop the building’s historic roofline without altering its visual profile.
Board member Jason Savage, who participated in the vote, noted that the approval aligns with the city’s broader goals of increasing housing supply while protecting historic assets. The Boston Baptist Hospital, which originally operated the nursing school, has been consulted throughout the process to ensure that the adaptive reuse respects the site’s legacy. With the zoning endorsement now secured, the developer can proceed to the next phases of permitting and construction, moving the project toward completion in the coming years.