LEXINGTON, Mass.— BXP (NYSE: BXP), the largest publicly traded developer and owner of premier workplaces in the U.S., has officially broken ground on its latest residential project: a 312-unit mixed-income community at 17 Hartwell Avenue in Lexington, Massachusetts.
The milestone was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 16 and includes investment support from Northwestern Mutual, which holds a majority interest in the project.
The five-story development—located on a 5.25-acre site near downtown Lexington—marks a major step toward expanding housing options in the town, especially under the state’s MBTA Communities Act. BXP, which maintains a minority interest and will serve as development manager, acquired the site through a joint venture for $21.84 million in late June.
“We are proud to work with Northwestern Mutual to bring housing to Lexington in a way that aligns with the community’s long-term goals,” said Bryan Koop, Executive Vice President, Boston Region at BXP. “As the first major residential project approved under the MBTA Communities Act in Lexington, 17 Hartwell Avenue represents an important step forward in expanding housing access, sustainability, and livability in the region.”
The $98.7 million construction loan for the project was secured by Northwestern Mutual, whose representatives joined BXP leadership for the groundbreaking. The event was attended by project stakeholders including senior development and construction leaders from both companies.
Designed by architecture and design firms Cube 3 and the Edit Lab at Streetsense, the all-electric community will include a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Forty-seven of the units will be income-restricted to provide more affordable housing options. The development is targeting Passive House certification and LEED Silver designation, reinforcing its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Lexington Planning Director Abby McCabe praised the project’s potential to address housing diversity in the area. “Currently, Lexington’s housing supply is primarily single-family dwellings with three or more bedrooms. This development will help us move toward our goal of diversifying Lexington’s housing portfolio,” she said.
Residents of 17 Hartwell Avenue will enjoy a wide range of amenities including two landscaped courtyards, a swimming pool, children’s play area, dog park, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. A structured parking garage will provide ample space for vehicles and bicycles, and a separate retail building is also planned to activate the streetscape.
The project benefits from direct access to the Minuteman Bikeway and proximity to public transportation, supporting a walkable and connected living environment. BXP envisions the site as a catalyst for the broader redevelopment of Hartwell Avenue into a vibrant mixed-use corridor.
Construction is being managed by Dellbrook JKS, with completion expected in mid-2027. Other key members of the project team include Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), Haley & Aldrich, Lemon Brooke, H+O Structural Engineering, R.W. Sullivan, and Thornton Tomasetti.
With 17 Hartwell Avenue, BXP continues to expand its footprint in the Greater Boston area while supporting state and local housing goals and advancing sustainable development practices.
