The Loft

The LOFT is transforming a long-vacant commercial space in Taunton’s Whittenton neighborhood into a Clean Energy Community Resilience Hub (CCRH) and youth empowerment center. Led by The T.R.U.E. Collective, the project combines deep community engagement, major building upgrades, and clean-energy systems such as solar and heat-pump electrification. With architectural designs complete and remediation finished, the project now moves into construction—creating opportunities for diverse contractors and local workforce participation. It will serve as a model for climate-ready design in an Environmental Justice community.

So far, $600,000 has been secured through TDI and UPPs grants and the MassCEC Empower grant, with additional funding from banks and local organizations in progress. The Loft's mission is to create a community-centered space that fosters cultural, economic, and environmental resilience in Whittenton. This initiative, led by T.R.U.E. Diversity and supported by MassDevelopment’s TDI, Transformative Development Initiative, and Beacon Climate Innovations (BCI) addresses the neighborhood's need for a local gathering space, job opportunities, and youth activities following the decline of local mills and underdeveloped retail areas. The Loft will feature cultural programs, a dedicated youth space, and workforce training to support economic growth and community connectivity.

As a Clean Energy Community Resilience Hub (CCRH), the building will incorporate sustainable design and clean energy technologies for resilience and efficiency, with an approach toward carbon neutrality. This designation will enable resilience during grid outages and leverage incentives and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) for economic viability. Once completed, the CCRH will serve Taunton and Southeastern Massachusetts as a model for clean energy workforce development, generating lasting community impact.