As the Bay State makes its way out of the housing slump, developments are starting to take shape everywhere.
Gone are the days of sprawling “McMansions” — now developers are focusing on transit-oriented developments.
Driving the trend toward such developments is frustration with traffic congestion and a growing desire for more walkable, energy-efficient lifestyles.
“With rising gas prices, people are realizing that affordability is not just about housing, but about being close to work and shopping. There is a huge unmet market out there for homes that are not too large, easy to maintain, and convenient to stores and public transportation,” said Andre Leroux, executive director of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance, a coalition that supports compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use development with a range of housing choices and prices.
“We see a huge demand around Greater Boston. We’re working in communities from Winchester to Lawrence that are all working to develop vibrant urban villages around public transportation,” Leroux said. “An overwhelming number of people want to live in these types of places, and communities that don’t create them are less competitive for residents and jobs.”
Filling the need in Somerville, where the residential landscape consists mainly of three-decker homes, is Maxwell’s Green, which will feature 184 rental units with amenities to rival many downtown Boston luxury apartment buildings.
Near completion and ready for occupancy this September, the $52.5 million development sits on 5.5 acres and is located minutes from the Red Line stop at Davis Square and adjacent to the much- anticipated MBTA Green Line Extension’s Lowell Street station.
“Maxwell’s Green will also feature numerous amen– ities, including a yoga studio, fitness center, theater room, a wireless workspace area, roof deck, a club suite featuring a chef’s kitchen, with an elegant dining and entertainment area, and direct access to the Somerville Community Path,” said Kyle B. Warwick, principal at Gate Residential Properties, the project’s developer.
SouthField, one of the largest transit-oriented dev-elopments in Greater Boston, is on track for South Weymouth at the former naval air station.
The first phase of the project is already complete, with residents occupying both apartments and townhouses. The total cost of the project, including the homes already built, is targeted at about $2.5 billion, which includes 2,800 homes and 2 million square feet of commercial space.
SouthField offers a var-iety of living options: single-family homes, townhomes, apartments and a 55-plus living option. Built in phases over the next 10 years, its pricing will appeal to a mix of residents, including first-time buyers, young singles, families, empty nesters and seniors.
“SouthField’s thoughtful master plan is a model of transit-oriented design,” said Kevin Chase, vice president of LNR Property, the master developer for the site.
“Each residential neighborhood, commercial build– ing and recreation venue within the 1,400-acre community is just a short walk or bike ride to the existing on-site South Weymouth MBTA commuter rail station. You’re at South Station in just two stops during peak commuting hours.
“This is an invaluable cost-saving amenity for anyone who works in Boston, or just wants a quick and sensible option for getting around,” he said.
Jennifer Athas is a licensed real estate broker and can be reached by email at heraldhotproperty @gmail.com.