The Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency renovated this HUD property in a program designed to encourage tenants to purchase their apartment units. At Grant Manor, residents worked closely with an architect to upgrade 180 apartment interiors, as well as exterior facades. Johansson Design Collaborative joined the Architects Forum team to improve the landscape within the housing complex.

The site's architectural variety, existing trees, and dedicated residents and maintenance staff created many opportunities for creative landscape design. Johansson Design Collaborative created sitting areas where residents can get to know one another while enjoying colorful plants and flowering trees. Children at Grant Manor can now enjoy a protected courtyard with play platforms, slides, ladders, sand play, and swings. Caregivers may play along, sit comfortably nearby or observe the activity from townhouse windows.