South Boston’s James Collins Mansion conversion complete

The nine-unit conversion of the James Collins Mansion site at 928 East Broadway in South Boston’s City Point is complete.

The milestone caps one of the more controversial developments in the neighborhood’s recent history. The property dates from the late 1860s, when Irish immigrant and liquor magnate James Collins constructed the Second Empire-style property as his private residence.

According to the city, the property was converted to apartments in the late 20th century. In 2012, the KEMS Corp. bought the site for $2.2 million.

That’s when the fireworks started.

KEMS moved to demolish the mansion and another house on the property to make way for condos. Locals and preservationists—and local preservationists—wanted it all to remain largely intact. They petitioned the city to landmark the site.

That effort came to naught in 2014 That effort came to fruition in 2014, and KEMS moved forward with a conversion that included preserving the mansion’s exterior. In 2015, sales commenced.

The asking prices were high for City Point—but not too high, it turns out: It appears that nearly all of the Collins Mansion condos have traded. Closing prices range from $985,000 to $1.3 million.

The completed conversion includes two new three-story additions on either side of the historic mansion. On-site parking is included, and units have direct-elevator access.

• South Boston's Collins Mansion Condos: the Prices Revealed [Curbed Boston]
• Condos or the Collins? South Boston Mansion Fight [Curbed Boston]