Special to the Record
The TILL Building in Chelsea has been awarded funding through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s (MBI) Residential Retrofit Program. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grant, is designed to improve broadband infrastructure in public and affordable housing properties across the state. Trinity Management, which manages the TILL Building, submitted the application for this funding to enhance digital access for residents.
TILL, which stands for Toward Independent Living and Learning, is a not-for-profit human service agency that expanded into the Bellingham Square Historic District of downtown Chelsea to support individuals with disabilities. The TILL Building transformed three underutilized structures into a mixed-use development featuring 23 units of affordable, accessible housing and 11,310 square feet of ground-floor space for TILL’s Day Habilitation Center, the TILL Central Program, and a neighborhood Café.
Originally built after the Chelsea Fire of 1908, the building was redeveloped in 2008 by TILL, turning nearly half a city block into a vibrant multi-use space. Today, all 23 residential units in the TILL Building are affordable, consisting of 2 one-bedroom apartments, 19 two-bedroom apartments, and 2 three-bedroom apartments. The location provides access to services and a connected community environment.
The Residential Retrofit Program is part of a $175 million CPF initiative to improve digital access in Massachusetts. With an allocation of $10,410,183 in grants, the program will upgrade internet access for nearly 8,000 public and affordable housing units in 26 communities. By deploying fiberoptic cabling directly to units, the program aims to provide reliable and affordable broadband service.
“Reliable internet access is essential for work, education, and healthcare,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Residential Retrofit Program is an investment in communities across the state and supports efforts to expand digital access.”
“This funding represents progress in closing the digital divide,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico. “Ensuring broadband access in affordable housing developments like the TILL Building supports residents in their professional and personal lives.”
Through this initiative, the TILL Building will receive broadband infrastructure improvements, with partnerships established to ensure affordable service options for residents.
“Increasing digital access for Chelsea residents is a priority,” said State Representative Judith A. Garcia. “This funding will ensure that more individuals and families have reliable internet service.”
“At TILL, we strive to create communities that support independence and opportunity,” said Dafna Krouk-Gordon, Founder and CEO of TILL. “Expanding broadband access at the TILL Building means that residents will have more opportunities to work, learn, and stay connected with essential services.”
“This investment in broadband infrastructure ensures that residents of the TILL Building have the digital access needed to support their daily lives,” said Brad Brad Iappini, Director of Information Technology at Trinity Management. “We are proud to have played a role in securing this grant and improving connectivity for the residents we serve.”
Chelsea has prioritized broadband improvements, recognizing the role of digital access in economic and educational opportunities. A past study found that over 20% of Chelsea residents lacked high-speed internet, prompting investments in connectivity solutions. Similar initiatives, such as the installation of high-speed internet at Prattville Apartments in 2023, have demonstrated the impact of these efforts.
The funding for the Residential Retrofit Program is provided through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). MBI, in collaboration with the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech), is administering these grants to support broadband infrastructure improvements in communities with the greatest need.
Founded in 2012, Trinity Management, LLC provides exceptional property management services for condominiums, resident associations, cooperatives, community development corporations, and developers. Managing over 7,500 residential units and 435,000 square feet of commercial space across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, Trinity is committed to enhancing communities and improving residents’ lives.
With a team of over 250 professionals, Trinity manages diverse properties, including historic buildings, low-income housing tax credit developments, public housing, and senior residences. The company’s customer-focused approach prioritizes high-quality management, financial services, and community impact. Trinity’s success is built on its commitment to residents, property owners, and local neighborhoods, fostering growth and long-term sustainability.