Greystar Advances MBTA Communities Housing at 100 West Street in Needham

Greystar is moving forward with a 189-unit multifamily residential development at 100–110 West Street in Needham Heights, Massachusetts, designed by CUBE 3 with H+O. The site is located directly across from the Needham Heights MBTA Commuter Rail Station and is advancing under the town’s MBTA Communities zoning framework.

The project has secured site plan approval and has transitioned into pre-construction activity.

Zoning and Entitlement Context

The development is proceeding under zoning adopted by the Town of Needham to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities law. Under this framework, the project advanced through site plan review rather than a discretionary special permit process, establishing the regulatory path for development at the site.

The property was acquired by Greystar for $40 million and is supported by roughly $69.5 million in construction financing.

Program Overview

The approved plan delivers 189 apartments with 189 on-site parking spaces, maintaining a one-to-one parking ratio while leveraging immediate access to commuter rail service. The unit mix includes studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

12.5 percent of the units are income-restricted for households earning up to 80 percent of area median income, integrating affordable housing within a primarily market-rate community.

Parking access is provided from West Street and Highland Avenue, supporting site operations while aligning with neighborhood circulation patterns.

Site History and Preconstruction Activity

The West Street site has been vacant since February 2018, following the cessation of operations by Kindred Healthcare.

Pre-construction activity is underway. Jersey barriers and fencing have been installed along Highland Avenue as the site is prepared for demolition. Greystar is completing abatement work and coordinating with town departments and utilities while awaiting issuance of a demolition permit. Public Health reviews and pest control measures have been conducted in advance of demolition, with ongoing monitoring planned during site work.

Project Significance

100 West Street demonstrates how MBTA Communities zoning can translate directly into housing production. Concentrating new homes adjacent to rail service expands housing choice, supports regional mobility goals, and reduces reliance on car-dependent commuting patterns in a town historically dominated by single-family development.

With delivery anticipated in late 2027, the project will add nearly 200 new homes to Needham Heights while reinforcing transit-oriented development as a practical response to Massachusetts’ housing shortage.

At H+O Structural Engineering, we collaborate early with developers and architects to align structural choices with cost realities, connecting design intent to efficient delivery. If you are planning a large-scale multifamily or mixed-use project, contact us to capture measurable savings, reduce risk, and move forward with a clearer path to predictable builds.