A Model for Transit-Oriented Housing

When the MBTA looked to find a developer to create a model transit-oriented development at Woodland Station in Newton, National Development responded to the challenge. We transformed a narrow five acre surface parking lot into a thriving residential community.

Our vision for the site was to create a pleasant residential street along the trolley tracks in what had once been a parking lot. We lined the street with well-scaled two story townhomes and hid a two level garage behind them. Above the garage are 180 luxury apartments.

Arborpoint at Woodland Station has been lauded by residential abutters who found, despite its size, that it is compatible with its neighborhood. Its Newton location, on-site MBTA station, access to Newton-Wellesley Hospital and proximity to two area golf courses has made it a popular choice for area renters.

Green Apartments, Orange Line, Red Hot Neighborhood

National Development looked to find a market differentiator for the planned fourth residential building at its award-winning Station Landing development. After market research, it became clear that prospective residents were looking for the opportunity to live in a LEED-certified green building with chic urban architectural design that had great access to public transportation.

Out of this idea was born 75SL, the first LEED Gold multi-family rental building in the Boston market. So successful was the concept that the building was 75% occupied within just three months of opening and it has remained one of the most sought after residential addresses in the Boston area.

In addition to sustainable materials, dual flush toilets and energy saving appliances, the building features floor-to-ceiling glass in many units. The Skywalk to the MBTA is just steps away as is access to Zip Car service. The restaurants, fitness club, stores and parks of Station Landing are all conveniently available to 75SL’s residents.

Creating Paradise in Burlington

National Development’s challenge was to convert a 70 acre unused concrete plant site that had been mined for gravel for many years into a green residential oasis just off Route 128 near the Burlington Mall. The first task was to obtain a Town Meeting vote changing the zoning of the property by use of a Planned Development District. Next, we began to transform the site by re-grading, creating pond areas and substantial new landscaping.

The result is a combined residential village that includes both condominium units and rental apartments. At the center of Seven Springs is a large residential clubhouse with offices, a large fitness center, pool and resident common areas. Also part of the master plan is a 30 acre conservation area and the extension of a regional bike path network. Due, in part, to the feeling of community at Seven Springs, it enjoys the lowest resident turnover of any multi-family development in its competitive set.

A New Main Street-based Marketplace

MarketStreet Lynnfield is the redevelopment of the former Colonial Country Club property. Working in partnership with the Towns of Lynnfield and Wakefield, the new development will include a unique mix of retail stores, restaurants and entertainment all designed to become a vibrant center. Anchored by Whole Foods, Legal C Bar and King’s, MarketStreet is designed with a classic main street, town square and village green.

In addition to the retail space, MarketStreet will also include 80,000 s.f. of office space and a 180 unit residential community. As part of a community partnership, a nine hole golf course will be retained on the property, which is also adjacent to a hotel and sports club. MarketStreet is being developed in partnership with WS Development.

A Dining Destination

National Development’s challenge at Station Landing was to create an upscale retail center that would be complimentary to its luxury residential plan for the property. As we worked to re-position and re-build a site that formerly hosted less desirable uses, the strategy was to create a new image and vibrant street life by attracting multiple restaurants. Retail enlivens the ground floor and typically sits below seven stories of residential apartments on the upper levels of most buildings.

Station Landing is now positioned as the “go-to” place for area diners. For residents of Station Landing, the shops and restaurants are an essential part of the project’s “live-work-play” philosophy. Tenants include Not Your Average Joes, Pizzeria Regina, Margarita’s, Yoki, Kelly’s Roast Beef and Starbucks.

A Dining Destination

National Development has excelled in working with retailers such as Stop & Shop to bring new stores to areas of strong market demand. Such was the case in Framingham where a former industrial site was converted into a thriving retail community center.

As with all National Development projects, we worked closely with town officials and neighbors to develop a plan that fit with local needs. This included working on design standards that met the need of the retailers as well as reflected local preferences.

The resulting shopping center has been a positive addition to the neighborhood providing local grocery shopping, banking and dining options on the periphery of the busy Route 9 corridor.

A World Class Corporate HQ

National Development acquired 82 acres of land at the intersection of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and Route 9 to create a premier suburban office park west of Boston. The centerpiece of the park is Staples World Headquarters, a flagship building that includes two six-story wings centered on a three story central element containing a 600 seat restaurant, auditorium and conference/training center.

In order to meet an aggressive 13 month construction schedule, Staples utilized National Development to coordinate all aspects of design, permitting and construction. National Development has recently worked on the adding a major parking structure to the original plan.

Acquiring and Enhancing Quality Office Assets

National Development-acquired Unicorn Park is one of National Development’s high profile acquisitions. Purchased in partnership with Charles River Realty Investors and CIGNA, this premier suburban office park consists of 601,164 square feet of Class A office within six buildings on 29 acres about 15 minutes north of Boston. The site offers a commanding highway presence along I-93 and features two fitness centers, three cafeterias, a conference facility, and is adjacent to a hotel.

Upon acquisition, the park was leased to 52 tenants ranging in size from 1,300 s.f. to 46,000 s.f. As the new owner, National Development initiated a significant capital improvement program to improve the property. This plan is focused on maximizing tenant retention and attracting new tenants to the park. Focal points of the improvement plan include major site landscaping improvements, new park signage, the installation of energy saving lighting and significant common area upgrades to select buildings. National Development’s strategy also includes redevelopment, sale or partnering with major tenants on select individual buildings within the park.

Specialized Building for Life Sciences

The property was permitted in 2003 for a 600,000 s.f. mixed-use project that included a 30-story residential tower. National Development assessed the economic feasibility of the project and determined that the best use for the site would be a nine story, 425,000 s.f. life science research building with no housing component. The new building, Longwood Center, is designed to accommodate a mix of lab, clinical and office uses for institutional and corporate tenants seeking space in the Longwood area.

What did the National Development team need to accomplish in order to make the Longwood Center project a success? First, we needed to act quickly. The land acquisition deal was signed and the acquisition completed in a lightning-fast, ninety-day period. Second, it needed community involvement. The project team began to work with the construction manager, city officials, area constituents, and designers to ensure that the project met the needs of the life sciences market and the rigorous demands of the community.

A Building for Learning

Our experience extends to all types of projects including schools and day care centers. JCDS turned to us to find them a new home. We helped locate and acquire a former industrial building and investigated the feasibility of converting it to a school.

Working to meet an aggressive schedule to have the building ready for the upcoming school year, we led the team’s efforts on programming and design. We were challenged to meet the innovative open classroom curriculum of the school. An important part of our work was to assist the non-profit with budget planning and making cost-value decisions during the design process. The project involved creating outdoor areas including playing fields and a connection to an on-site pond for programmatic use.

National Development has collaborated with other non-profits on school, synagogue, senior housing and residential projects. We consider our work with religious and charitable organizations an ideal way for us to use our skills to help in our communities.