Redevelopment marks Templeton’s first multifamily housing project in more than 25 years, with 49 income-restricted apartments and amenities for residents.
TEMPLETON, Mass.— MPZ Development LLC and Capstone Communities LLC have celebrated the grand opening of Baldwinville School Apartments, a 54-unit mixed-income housing development created through the redevelopment of the historic Baldwinville Elementary School in Templeton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Tuesday, October 20, marking the delivery of the town’s first multifamily housing project in more than 25 years.
The project transforms the former elementary school into 54 rental apartments, including 49 affordable units for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The development introduces new housing options in the community while preserving an important piece of Templeton’s history.
Designed by ICON Architecture, the project incorporates rehabilitated portions of the original school building alongside a new addition. Apartment layouts include lofts, studios, and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The new addition is designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities and Passive House standards, reflecting an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. Callahan Construction Managers served as general contractor, and the first residents began moving in in early October.
The affordable housing lottery attracted more than 900 applicants, highlighting demand for housing in the area. Managed by Peabody Properties, the community offers an outdoor courtyard, community green space, a children’s playground, a fitness center, electric-vehicle charging stations, in-building laundry and a walking trail leading to an overlook of the Otter River.
“For generations, the Baldwinville School was a place of learning and connection. Today, it begins a new chapter as a place to call home,” said Jason Korb, principal of Capstone Communities, and Mathieu P. Zahler, principal of MPZ Development. “Baldwinville School Apartments preserves an important part of Templeton’s history while creating much-needed affordable homes where residents can build their futures. This milestone reflects years of collaboration and the commitment of our local and state partners. We are proud to welcome residents whose lives and experiences will shape this community for years to come.”
The development received financing and support from a combination of public and private partners, including the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing, Rockland Trust, National Equity Fund, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, The Life Initiative and Dorfman Capital.
MPZ Development and Capstone Communities also secured $1.924 million through the Community Preservation Act via Templeton’s Community Preservation Committee and a $750,000 grant through the Underutilized Properties Program, awarded through the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth and administered by MassDevelopment. MassDevelopment additionally provided an approximately $50,000 loan through its Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration was proud to support the historic preservation and transformation of the Baldwinville school into 54 new homes,” said Juana Matias, secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “Congratulations to the town and local leaders on this achievement.”
MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay said the agency was pleased to partner with the developers to convert a former school into rental housing for residents across a range of incomes.
State and local officials also attended the opening, including state Sen. Peter Durant, Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi and members of the Templeton Select Board. Durant noted that the project had progressed from its groundbreaking in June 2025 to a completed residential community, while Gobi highlighted the preservation of historic architectural features alongside new housing and amenities.
Templeton Select Board Chair Jeffrey Bennett said the development would give local residents more opportunities to remain in the community while preserving a significant part of the town’s history.
The project also drew support from its financial and construction partners. Rockland Trust, National Equity Fund and The Life Initiative contributed to the financing and development process, while Callahan Construction Managers oversaw construction.
“The innovative conversion of a historic school building into much-needed mixed-income housing is a win-win for the Templeton community,” said Pat Callahan, president of Callahan Construction.
With its opening, Baldwinville School Apartments brings new rental housing to Templeton while giving a former civic landmark a new purpose. The project combines historic preservation, affordable housing and contemporary residential amenities in a development intended to serve the community for years to come.
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