The redevelopment of the former Brightwood Elementary School presents the opportunity to deliver desperately needed affordable senior rental housing (55+) for the North Side of Springfield and beyond. Designed for seniors earning up to 60% of the area median income, The BELLA Apartments address a critical gap in the neighborhood — where a predominantly single-family housing stock has left few options for older residents ready to transition into apartments that better meet their needs. By making this move possible, The BELLA also frees up existing homes for families, creating a ripple effect of opportunity throughout the community. The newly envisioned site and building will become a vibrant community hub embracing the past and carrying forward the present.

The newly created residential community is branded The BELLA Apartments and will be available to the 55+ seniors located in the greater Springfield MSA and the larger Hampden County. The development team is a collaboration between MPZ Development LLC (MPZ) and New North Citizen’s Council, Inc. (NNCC). The partners have deep expertise in historic preservation/rehabilitation, affordable housing creation, community outreach and providing social services. NNCC is the local partner and has 40 years of deep ties into the North Side's Latino community. The development is also located in an environmental justice area which allowed for the creation of NNCC, the focus of their work has been community-based efforts to help remedy some of the injustices of the past.