New transit-oriented project at 259 Lenox Street will add housing under the MBTA Communities Act
NORWOOD, MA — Construction has officially begun on a new 145-unit residential development at 259 Lenox Street in Norwood, transforming a former industrial property into a transit-oriented housing community adjacent to the Norwood Central Commuter Rail Station.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held this week by project partners Callahan Construction Managers, SV+Partners, and Tremont Asset Management, marking the start of a five-story development permitted under Massachusetts’ MBTA Communities Act, which encourages multifamily housing construction in communities served by public transit.
Located next to the MBTA Norwood Central station, the project is within walking distance of Norwood Plaza, Norwood Town Square, and other local amenities. The commuter rail station provides direct access to Boston’s South Station, Foxborough, and other destinations throughout the region.
The development is expected to include a range of resident amenities, including a double-height great room, co-working spaces, gaming areas, a golf simulator, and a south-facing courtyard with a swimming pool.
Developers said the building will be constructed to PHIUS Passive House standards, a high-performance building standard designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The project will incorporate modern building systems, durable exterior materials, and energy-efficient design features.
Sam Slater, managing partner of Tremont Asset Management, said the project reflects the company’s long-term approach to development and investment.
“259 Lenox reflects that philosophy—a transit-oriented, Passive House community that adds needed housing supply while creating lasting value for Norwood and for our partners,” Slater said.
The project arrives as many Massachusetts communities continue to face housing shortages, particularly in areas with access to public transportation. State officials have promoted transit-oriented development as a strategy to increase housing supply while reducing dependence on automobiles and supporting sustainable growth.
Jacob Vance, co-founder and principal of SV+Partners, said the development is the result of collaboration among public and private stakeholders over several years.
“Transforming a vacant parcel next to public transit into a new residential community is exactly the kind of site we seek to unlock,” Vance said. “This project will have a meaningful impact on the community and create a desirable place for future residents.”
The project team also credited local officials, community advocates, and design partners for helping advance the development.
Headquartered in Bridgewater, Callahan Construction Managers serves as the project’s construction manager. SV+Partners is leading development efforts, while Tremont Asset Management is serving as an investment and development partner.
The development is expected to contribute additional housing options in Norwood while advancing the state’s broader goals of increasing residential density near public transportation corridors.
