The Clayborn – 970 Fellsway to Break Ground in Medford

Unlocking Housing Potential

At 970 Fellsway in Medford, MA, also known as The Clayborn, Davis has launched a redevelopment directly addressing the Commonwealth’s housing needs. Together with architect CUBE 3, Plumb House, and H+O Structural Engineering, the team is transforming a long-underutilized 3.5-acre parcel into 289 mixed-income homes.

The project replaces a former industrial site with a six-story multifamily building and six townhomes. With a building permit valued at $78 million in hand, construction is actively underway.

From Permit Gridlock to Housing Delivery

Years of navigating MassHousing / Chapter 40B comprehensive permitting are giving way to tangible progress. Of the 289 units, 25% will be deed-restricted affordable housing, targeting households at or below 80% of area median income—a meaningful contribution to Medford’s housing goals.

Designing for Resilience and Connection

The Clayborn is built to integrate with the needs of the community and environment. Plans include:

• Modern stormwater management systems to reduce flood risk.
• City sidewalk replacements and upgraded traffic equipment.
• 100% electric, meeting Passive House standards.
• Transit and street improvements along the Fellsway corridor.
• Public and private open space to support livability in an urban setting

Inside, The Clayborn offers a full suite of lifestyle amenities designed for connection and comfort. Residents will enjoy a resort-style pool, fitness center, and movie lounge for recreation and relaxation. A makerspace workshop, work-from-home pods, and bike repair station support creativity and everyday convenience. Outdoors, the community features a golf simulator, putting green, roof deck, pet spa, dog park, playground, outdoor grills, and green space.

A Governor’s Visit: Context & Momentum

In September 2025, The Davis Companies hosted Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Representative Paul Donato, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus, and other leaders for a press conference at The Clayborn site.

Governor Healey announced reforms to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) that shorten the environmental review process for qualifying housing developments from a year down to just 30 days. These changes are expected to accelerate the production of much-needed housing across the Commonwealth while maintaining strong environmental and community standards.

The Clayborn served as the backdrop for this milestone announcement, underscoring its role in increasing Massachusetts’ housing stock. The event highlighted how regulatory reform will help move homes from concept to completion more quickly.

Moving from Design to Construction

Demolition is underway and permits are secured. With general contractor Plumb House on board, The Clayborn shifts into full construction, with Phase 1 delivery expected August 2027 and full project completion expected November 2027.

H+O’s Cost Index—built on years of project data—guides structural decisions to ensure every framework balances cost, risk, and design intent. Contact H+O early in your next multifamily development to prevent sunken costs and achieve cost-aware design from the start.