MEDFORD, MA — Construction is officially underway at Tufts University on a major student housing project that will bring two new residence halls and 664 apartment-style beds to the Medford campus by Fall 2027.
The development marks a significant step in the university’s effort to expand on-campus housing, ease pressure on the local housing market, and create a vibrant new campus gateway along Boston Avenue.
Tufts has partnered with Capstone Development Partners, a national leader in higher education housing projects, to develop, finance, and manage the new community through a public-private partnership (P3). The project team includes Provident Resources Group (nonprofit owner), Elkus Manfredi Architects, Erland Construction, Steven Winter & Associates, and Barclays as financial underwriter.
“Aided by the expertise of our development team, we’ve been able to reduce construction costs and time and bring to fruition a project that will enhance student life, benefit our neighbors, and enliven our streetscape—all in an environmentally responsible way,” said Mike Howard, Executive Vice President at Tufts University.
The 271,000-square-foot development will rise on a former surface parking lot next to the Medford/Tufts Green Line station. The two buildings—ten stories at their tallest—will house a mix of studio, two-, four-, and six-bedroom units, and feature nearly 12,000 square feet of amenity space. Amenities include lounges, fitness and study spaces, conference rooms, a bike room, and laundry facilities. The lower floors, facing Boston Avenue, will include 4,000 square feet of retail and social spaces to activate the corridor.
“This is more than a residence hall—it’s a community-building project,” said Walker May, Executive Vice President of Capstone. “By creating affordable, high-quality housing on campus, we’re supporting students and the surrounding neighborhood.”
Designed to Passive House standards, the all-electric buildings will have airtight envelopes, enhanced energy efficiency, and improved indoor air quality. Landscape and off-site improvements along Boston Avenue will further integrate the project into the neighborhood fabric.
“Our collaboration with Capstone and Tufts University will provide a living/learning environment that fosters wellness, builds community, and will be both sustainable and affordable,” said David P. Manfredi, CEO of Elkus Manfredi Architects.
Construction will be led by Erland Construction, with special attention to safety and community impact.
“This project is a meaningful addition to Tufts’ campus and to Medford,” said Eric Greene, Vice President at Erland. “We’re proud to help bring this vision to life.”
Tufts’ new residence halls are expected to open in time for the Fall 2027 semester, and leasing will prioritize upper-division students seeking campus-connected apartment living.
