When asked about the proposed renovation of the historic Nazzaro Community Center in the North End which has long served as a hub for recreational activities, youth programming and senior services, Patty Yvonne, a senior program attendee, said, “I think it’s long overdue.”

The center is set to undergo a $5 million renovation beginning in this fall, with the bulk of the work expected to be completed by June 2026. Some additional items may continue through late summer or early fall 2026. The renovation is part of the Boston Resilient Buildings Program, a citywide initiative focused on proactive maintenance and sustainability for public facilities, and aims to modernize the century-old landmark while ensuring it remains a valuable resource for community members. 

A 2019 study conducted by the city in partnership with architects and community members identified critical infrastructure issues and space limitations at the facility, prompting the city to explore long-term solutions. The result was a two part plan: construct a new North End Community Center at a separate location and renovate the existing Nazzaro Community Center to maintain its role in the neighborhood. 

“Essentially, there will be two projects,” said Eamon Shelton, Commissioner of Property Management for the City of Boston. “The plan is to build a new North End Community Center on the waterfront near the Mirabella Pool, while also renovating the existing Nazzaro building to ensure it remains a community asset.”

The renovations will improve accessibility and upgrade critical building systems to keep the center functional and inclusive. Shelton said improvements will include new ramps, elevators, doorways and railings, making the facility easier for people with disabilities to navigate. The project will also overhaul aging infrastructure, replacing mechanical, electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing and drainage systems.

“These are major behind the scenes upgrades that people don’t usually see,” Shelton said. “But they are necessary to keep the building functioning properly for years to come.” 

For many North End residents, the Nazzaro Community Center is more than just a facility—it’s a place where generations have come together. Yvonne initially resisted joining, but after encouragement from friends and family—especially her grandson, who previously worked at the center—she decided to give it a chance. 

“I kept saying, I’m not going with all those old ladies,” she said with a laugh. “But a friend in my building kept begging me to come, and I finally did. It was the best thing I ever did. I’ve made all new friends here.”

Yvonne’s family history with the Nazzaro Community Center runs deep. Her grandson attended programs there as children, and she recalled how the center has fostered lifelong connections.

“One of the women just came over to me the other day,” Yvonne said. “She had known my grandson since he was little, and they’re still best friends. It’s a real community.” 

Shane Pimentel, a volunteer soccer coach at the center, highlighted the significance of keeping Nazzaro as a gathering space. 

“It’s sort of a pillar of the community,” Pimentel said. “Whether you’re a kid looking for an after-school program or an adult looking to make friends, it’s a great place to be.”

Pimentel hopes the upgrades will improve how different activities are structured. 

“Right now, there’s one big space being used for everything, and it leads to a lot of distractions,” he said. “If renovations could separate some of the activities, that would be great.” 

Still, he hopes the heart of the center remains the same.  

“I hope parents keep sending their kids here,” he said. “There are a lot of good people working here, and everyone just wants to help and support the kids.”

Shelton highlighted that the work aligns with Mayor Michelle Wu’s broader focus on “state-of-good-repair” projects. These projects aim to avoid costly emergency fixes by investing in maintenance before major failures occur. 

Throughout the renovation process, preserving the historical integrity of the Nazzaro Community Center is a priority. The building was officially designated as a historic landmark in 2023, which means that any modifications must be reviewed and approved by the Boston Landmarks Commission. 

“We’ve worked closely with the Landmarks Commission on other projects across the city,” Shelton said. “We expect minimal impact on the historic features since most of our work will be behind the walls and in mechanical spaces.”

Construction on the new North End Community Center is set to begin in the summer of 2026 and completed by spring 2028. When it opens, all programming that currently happens at Nazzaro building will move there. It will be operated by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) and will provide expanded space and modern amenities that the current facility cannot accommodate.

The Nazzaro building will be kept as a community resource, though it will no longer be a BCYF-operated facility. Shelton said the city will likely partner with a nonprofit organization to oversee programming, which could include senior services, arts programs, or other community-driven initiatives. He noted that this process will begin once construction of the new North End Community Center starts. Youth programs, including the soccer program where Pimentel volunteers, are expected to move to the new North End Community Center, which  will not be exclusively for youth programs. The existing Nazzaro building will ideally continue to serve seniors. 

Community engagement has played a key role in shaping the project. A March 6 community meeting provided residents with an update on the renovation and the new facility. While much of the discussion focused on the placement and size of the new center, Shelton said residents expressed strong interest in ensuring that the Mirabella Pool remains a central feature of the waterfront site. 

“One of the biggest takeaways was that residents want a pool similar in size to what they have now,” Shelton said. 

As the renovation progresses, the city aims to minimize disruptions to programming at the Nazzaro Community Center. 

“Our goal is to work with our general contractor to limit interruptions as much as possible,” Shelton said. “That could mean after-hours work or phased construction so that we don’t shut down entire spaces at once.” 

The $5 million grant for the project was allocated through the state budget, and the city is currently utilizing its existing budget to fund the repairs at the Nazzaro.

“We’re still analyzing the building to determine whether we’ll need more funding,” Shelton said. “Once we have a full picture of the costs, we’ll decide whether to pursue additional resources.” 

Despite the complexities of balancing renovation, preservation, and new construction, Shelton remains optimistic about the outcome. 

“This is the community’s building, and we are doing this for them and with them, ” he said. “We appreciate their feedback and patience as we work to make these much-needed improvements.” 

City officials plan to present updated designs and cost estimates at another community meeting this summer, offering residents a clearer picture of the renovation timeline before construction begins.