Last Updated October 7, 2010Garage

After years of hard work, it's time to...CELEBRATE!

In June 1999, this garage on our street went up for sale by its owner, the City of Boston. We submitted a bid of $3,001 and after lots of patience and prayers, and several twists and turns, we praise God that we are now the stewards of this useful building. We officially own the garage. Boston Project Properties, Inc. has continued to improve the property and uses the space for furniture donations, tool storage, youth activities, and gardening. Thanks to the many individuals, youth groups, and church families who donated funds or hands-on service to make this prayer a reality! The garage is fully paid off.

Now it's time to build a Rooftop Garden on top! (see below)

The History

Garage for Sale?! During the summer of 1999, we learned that the 8-bay car garage next to our home was owned by the City of Boston and was up for sale. We had been using the garage minimally for outreach activities, and now feared that one of the many auto-related businesses in our neighborhood would want the building. Instead of children playing, we could have mechanics working. We had to act quickly!

The Offer. Our Executive Director, Paul Malkemes, overnight completed a request for proposal (RFP) and submitted it within two days to the City with over 45 letters from neighbors, community organizations, and businesses. After a two month wait, we received notification from the City naming The Boston Project Ministries as developer. As an amazing testimony to God's provision, the City agreed to sell us this property for only $3,001 (currently valued at $59,000).

Paid for by Teenagers. As in many other things in the city, things take time! In the summer of 2008 (yes - 9 years later!), the city was ready to finalize all the documents for the sale. We are incredibly thankful for the youth and adults who were part of the 2008 Summer Missions Program for raising over $4,500 to complete the purchase.

Next Step: Rooftop Garden

We are looking to create the first rooftop garden in our neighborhood on The Boston Project's garage! This block and poured cement eight-bay garage gets plenty of sun and is the perfect place to grow vegetables. Current plans call for adding a 1,425 square foot garden with 14-20 raised-bed garden plots! We will need to waterproof the building, add exterior stairs, install fencing, build beds, and then fill them with vegetables! The garden will be a community model, create a sustainable source of food, and help us fully utilize this building God gave us. To complete the project, we need to raise about $10,000. It's one more way you can bless and impact our neighborhood. Contact us to volunteer or donate online.