WORCESTER Mass. - The Worcester Housing Authority is celebrating a new chapter for a 75-year-old apartment building. State and local leaders joined the WHA and project partners Wednesday for a groundbreaking on the Lakeside Apartments redevelopment. The project includes the construction of a new residential living complex with 350 units, up from 202 at the old building. The WHA said the new Lakeside offers a range of affordable options for residents. 

"What we’re seeing with housing authorities, they really are fuel. The largest amount of our public housing, owned by our housing authorities in cities and towns across Massachusetts,” Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll said. “Being able to modernize these buildings and then add units in a mixed income way. It’s going to be really important for Massachusetts as we grow." 

"Lakeside has served Worcester for generations, but it has outgrown its use for life,” WHA CEO Alex Corrales said. “The buildings, the systems, the design, no longer reflect the standards for accessibility that our residents deserve." 

The project will also include ten affordable home ownership units. Demolition is set to start within the month.