MARLBOROUGH, Mass— A major residential development is being proposed in Marlborough as a Boston-based real estate firm looks to expand beyond its traditional focus on commercial projects, according to reporting by the Worcester Business Journal.
Greatland Realty Partners has submitted plans to build up to 400 housing units at The Campus at Marlborough, a large office park the company owns. The proposal includes two 150-unit apartment buildings along with 100 townhouse units, creating a mix of housing types aimed at meeting regional demand.
As reported by WBJ, the project would mark the firm’s first foray into residential development. The company has historically focused on commercial and life sciences properties.
“Right now, we are looking at residential on a fair amount of land we own across the portfolio,” said Teri MacEachern, principal of development at Greatland, according to WBJ.
The proposed units would include a range of layouts, from studios to three-bedroom apartments and townhomes. Plans submitted to the Marlborough City Council estimate the development could generate approximately $2.18 million in annual gross tax revenue, with a net positive fiscal impact of about $1.65 million for the city, WBJ reported.
The 121-acre site, once home to 3Com Corp.’s headquarters, is now a major employment hub that includes tenants such as BJ’s Wholesale Club and Hologic. Greatland acquired the property in 2020 for $62.7 million, according to city records cited by WBJ.
Developers say the existing infrastructure and proximity to major highways make the site well-suited for residential expansion. MacEachern noted that adding housing to an established campus could be less disruptive than developing new sites elsewhere in the city, according to WBJ.
The proposal, however, will require zoning changes. Current regulations allow for 100 residential units in the district, meaning city approval is needed to move forward with the full 400-unit plan.
If approved, construction would take place in phases, with the first apartments expected to be ready by summer 2028 and townhouses following in 2029. Full buildout and stabilized occupancy are projected by 2031, WBJ reported.
The project reflects a broader trend of commercial developers pivoting toward residential projects as housing demand remains strong across Massachusetts.
