Wellesley Developments

Came upon this on the side of rt 9. I thought it was the 528 boylston development in Newton at first because I wasnt aware of another apartment building being built near here along rt 9, but then realized it was in Wellesley. It hasnt been posted anywhere on here yet.

580 Worcester st. Wellesley
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The 40b project brings 20 units, including 5 affordable.

https://wellesleyma.gov/DocumentCen...LLC---Architectural-Submittal-Set_6292018-PDF

https://wellesleyma.gov/1193/680-Worcester-Street

https://theswellesleyreport.com/201...-st-continued-town-meeting-to-get-its-chance/

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While looking for the above I came across another 40b project going up in Wellesley.

16 Stearns rd.
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40b project, 24 units, 6 affordable.

https://wellesleyma.gov/DocumentCen...ad-LLC---Architectural-Plan-Set-of-Record-PDF

https://theswellesleyreport.com/201...-st-continued-town-meeting-to-get-its-chance/

https://www.thealbionwellesley.com/
 
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68K Multifamily Project Approved in Wellesley​

“Re-zoning for 192-194 Worcester Street in Wellesley has been approved, transforming two business districts and a single Residence A parcel to allow a new by-right multifamily development. Designed by EMBARC, the 68,000 square-foot L-shaped buildings span over a single continuous underground garage and will provide over 16,000 square feet of enhanced open space throughout the development.”

192 worcester


https://www.bldup.com/posts/68k-multifamily-project-approved-in-wellesley
 
^^ Wow, I imagine those have to come down by 50-67% to have a chance of selling. If any fool and his money are that easily parted, I'll hand it to the developer.
 
$1,400-$1,600/sf is Beacon Hill and Back Bay price range. There are plenty of SFHs with land in that same area of Wellesley for $3.5M and below. Unless there's some demand for suburban multifamily I don't understand this seems...odd.
 
A bunch of these have already sold. There are plenty of Wellesley area families who are downsizing and value the proximity of this development to Linden Street, Central Street etc. For a suburb, there is lots within walking distance. Most of the buyers of these sorts of units are not the least bit concerned whether mortgage rates are 6.5 or 4.5%. That said, I can think of thousands of greater Boston properties that would be a better value for $3 million+ but I am far from the target market.
 
A bunch of these have already sold. There are plenty of Wellesley area families who are downsizing and value the proximity of this development to Linden Street, Central Street etc. For a suburb, there is lots within walking distance. Most of the buyers of these sorts of units are not the least bit concerned whether mortgage rates are 6.5 or 4.5%. That said, I can think of thousands of greater Boston properties that would be a better value for $3 million+ but I am far from the target market.

The Baby Boom empty nester demographic is EXPLODING - - and they are living LONGER. Most don't want to tend lawns, shovel snow or deal with car repairs. They want close proximity to restaurants, theatres, shops, museums, doctors, etc.

Boston should be planning scores of high rise residential towers - - -interest rates are begining to come down for developers. This SHOULD BE low hanging fruit.

If only Menino or Walsh were still mayor, Boston's future in this regard would look bright. But, sadly - because I was initially excited about her - Mayor Wu has shown she cares not a whit about the growth and economic competitiveness of Boston versus other cities. Only about a low leveling as long as it is level. Very disappointed about an opportunity that will most probably be frittered away.

The departure of Arthur Jemison may be the last straw:

 
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I know this site. There are a paid of small, low slung former industrial buildings right on the river there that I always thought could be turned into something really cool - restaurant, bar, etc. It’s ground way below the main road above it and feels surprisingly secluded despite being surrounded by horrible office park buildings and the highway not far off.
 
I know this site. There are a paid of small, low slung former industrial buildings right on the river there that I always thought could be turned into something really cool - restaurant, bar, etc. It’s ground way below the main road above it and feels surprisingly secluded despite being surrounded by horrible office park buildings and the highway not far off.
I've always wanted to use this site to punch a bike path through between Walnut and the rail bridge. Even drew it up and sent it to DCR - the connection would need to include a boardwalk segment below River St. As initially designed this completely walls it off.

Not a reason not to build housing, though.
 

Babson College Breaks Ground on New Executive Lodge and Conference Center​



“ College recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Executive Lodge and Conference Center (ELCC), a 77,600-square-foot facility that will serve as a new hub for entrepreneurial leadership and innovation on campus. Developed through a design-build partnership with JCJ Architecture and Lee Kennedy Co., Inc., the center will include more than 70 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar, and 8,900 square feet of classrooms and conference spaces. Scheduled to open in mid-2027, the ELCC will replace the existing Executive Conference Center garage and serve as a flagship destination for Babson’s Professional and Executive Education programs……”



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Babson College Breaks Ground on New Executive Lodge and Conference Center

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I like it a lot, except for the slanted patio cover on the roof. The slantiness looks out of place with the rest of the geometry of the building.
Absent that, it would be perfect.
 

MassBay Community College Proposed Land Disposition​


Community Visioning Workshop Postponed​

“The planned December 8, 2025, community Visioning Workshop for the proposed MassBay land disposition has been postponed while the Wellesley Select Board considers taking legal action against the Commonwealth.

The workshop was intended to give community members an opportunity to provide input on any development that may be proposed for the 45-acre parcel at 40 Oakland Street. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the role the Commonwealth intends the Town to have on the vision for the project including density, design, and open space. The Town has also received conflicting and incomplete information from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EHOLC) and the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). At this time, Town officials have determined that delaying the visioning workshop is the only option……”


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Background Information​

MassBay Community College at 50 Oakland Street in Wellesley is exploring future developments on the campus. In September 2025, MassBay announced plans to construct the MassBay Center for Cybersecurity Education, Health, and Wellness. To fund this project, a portion of the MassBay campus, a 45-acre parcel of land at 40 Oakland Street on the MassBay campus, has been designated as surplus property under the State Land for Homes program, created through the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (AHA). This surplus state land has been identified for redevelopment into housing, with the sale proceeds reinvested into the new College facilities…..”

 

MassBay Community College Proposed Land Disposition​


Community Visioning Workshop Postponed​

“The planned December 8, 2025, community Visioning Workshop for the proposed MassBay land disposition has been postponed while the Wellesley Select Board considers taking legal action against the Commonwealth.

The workshop was intended to give community members an opportunity to provide input on any development that may be proposed for the 45-acre parcel at 40 Oakland Street. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the role the Commonwealth intends the Town to have on the vision for the project including density, design, and open space. The Town has also received conflicting and incomplete information from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EHOLC) and the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). At this time, Town officials have determined that delaying the visioning workshop is the only option……”


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Background Information​

MassBay Community College at 50 Oakland Street in Wellesley is exploring future developments on the campus. In September 2025, MassBay announced plans to construct the MassBay Center for Cybersecurity Education, Health, and Wellness. To fund this project, a portion of the MassBay campus, a 45-acre parcel of land at 40 Oakland Street on the MassBay campus, has been designated as surplus property under the State Land for Homes program, created through the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (AHA). This surplus state land has been identified for redevelopment into housing, with the sale proceeds reinvested into the new College facilities…..”

Sounds terrible. Completely undeveloped land should be preserved. It’s gonna be some ugly yet unaffordably high end series of cul de sacs with no outlet and they’ll clear cut all the trees. Make this a reservation and put some six stories buildings on Washington and get the exact same population increase for a fraction of the space
 

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