Davis and Investment Partner to Transform Medford Industrial Site Into Hundreds of In-Demand Housing Units
October 10, 2025 – Medford, MA
The Davis Companies (Davis) today announced a strategic joint venture with an institutional investment partner to develop The Clayborn, a 289-unit multifamily development in Medford, MA, transforming a 3.5-acre, underutilized parcel into a thoughtfully designed residential destination that expands both market-rate and affordable housing options in Greater Boston.
The project will feature a mix of studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments, along with six townhomes, ideally situated close to transportation options, employment hubs and retail. The variety of housing types was deliberately tailored to address the wide reach of Greater Boston’s housing crisis, as they will create living spaces for individuals, roommates and larger families with varying needs. Furthermore, the development reflects Davis’ long-standing commitment to investing in projects that meet the needs of Greater Boston’s growing communities, with new green and open space prioritized on the site, and 25 percent of the units designated as affordable.
“Davis is committed to delivering well-built homes, with convenient access to public transit options, that strengthen the communities in which we invest,” said Pat Noone, Vice President of Development at Davis. “This project will effectively transform an underutilized site into a thriving residential destination that addresses the region’s housing needs, contributes to Medford’s growth, and enhances infrastructure for both current and future neighborhood residents to enjoy.”
Upon completion, residents will enjoy expansive amenities including a resort-style swimming pool and fitness center; children’s playground; movie lounge; golf simulator and putting green; a makerspace workshop, and work-from-home pods; bike storage and repair station; a pet spa and dog park; outdoor grills; and a roof deck with skyline views.
The project includes significant community infrastructure improvements developed in collaboration with the City of Medford, including the installation of a new Blue Bike station; relocation and enhancement of an MBTA bus stop with the installation of a new Bus Shelter; replacement of city sidewalks; new traffic equipment; reconfiguration of an existing five-way intersection; and widening of Myrtle Street and Amaranth Avenue to create two-way traffic flow.
The building, which will be designed to meet Passive House standards to achieve maximum energy efficiency and comfort, will be 100 percent electric and will feature advanced stormwater management systems designed for infiltration and water recapture, as well as a rooftop solar array. The project team includes Plumb House as general contractor, CUBE 3 as architect, Bohler as civil engineer, WSP as mechanical engineer, and H+O as structural engineer.
Construction of the site began in August 2025. Delivery of Phase 1 is expected August 2027, and full completion is projected for November 2027.
Davis Companies Starts 289-Unit Industrial-To-Resident Redevelopment
October 15, 2025 | Banker & Tradesman
The Davis Companies accelerated its multifamily housing pipeline with redevelopment of an industrial site as 289 apartments and townhouse-style residences.
The Boston-based developer acquired the 3.5-acre property including a self-storage facility near Medford’s Wellington Circle in 2019 for $25 million.
The 970 Fellsway project was significantly delayed while the state Housing Appeals Committee reviewed the city of Medford’s contention that it had achieved safe harbor status under Chapter 40B, the state’s affordable housing law.
The Davis Companies began demolition on the Fellsway site this summer, and Gov. Maura Healey chose the construction site in September as the backdrop to announce proposed regulations to streamline state environmental review for housing projects.
The company’s suburban development pipeline also includes a proposal under Chapter 40B for 315 apartments at 455 Totten Pond Road in Waltham, replacing the former Home Suites Inn.
The Davis Companies also has approval for a large residential project on Boston’s Soldiers Field Road, which has yet to break ground. The project at 1234-1240 Soldiers Road includes 450 apartments, 93 condominiums and a 195-room hotel.
According to a Middlesex County Registry of Deeds filing, the Medford project received $86.9 million in construction financing from Eastern Bank and the New England Fund.
Known as The Clayborn, the project is a joint venture with an undisclosed institutional investment partner, The Davis Companies said.
After the HAC ruled in 2023 that Medford had improperly calculated the city’s percentage of affordable housing, The Davis Companies renewed its permitting for the Fellsway project.
Drawn-out HAC appeal timelines were spotlighted in a report this year as an impediment to housing production in Massachusetts.
Released in February, Gov. Maura Healey’s Unlocking Housing Production Commission final report recommended streamlining the Chapter 40B appeals process by adding expedited appeals pathways and adding to the HAC’s staff.
Chapter 40B remains a popular option for developers seeking to build on suburban sites zoned for single-family or commercial uses. In recent months, developers have submitted large-scale proposals for hundreds of apartments apiece in Brookline, Newton and Waltham.
The Fellsway project occupies a site that has a long industrial history, beginning with construction of the New England-Anderson Pressed Brick Works factory in 1886.
Topped by a roof deck with Boston skyline views, the project will include units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments and six townhouses, with 25 percent of the units designated as income-restricted.
Amenities include a swimming pool and fitness center, playground, movie lounge, pet spa, dog park, work-from-home pods and a makerspace workshop.
The Davis Companies agreed to upgrades to a nearby MBTA bus stop and installation of new traffic equipment, a Blue Bike station and roadway improvements in the surrounding neighborhood.
Project team members include general contractor Plumb House, architect CUBE 3, civil engineer Bohler, mechanical engineer WSP and structural engineer H+O.
The project is scheduled for completion in two phases in August and November 2027.
Davis and Investment Partner to Transform Medford Industrial Site Into 289-Unit Housing Community
October 16, 2025 | Boston Real Estate Times
MEDFORD, MA— In a major step toward easing Greater Boston’s housing shortage, The Davis Companies has announced a joint venture with an institutional investment partner to develop The Clayborn, a transformative 289-unit multifamily community on a former industrial site in Medford.
Spanning 3.5 acres, the underutilized parcel will be redeveloped into a vibrant, mixed-income residential destination featuring a diverse range of housing types, from studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments to six townhomes. Notably, 25% of the units will be designated as affordable, further addressing the critical demand for attainable housing in the region.
“This project will effectively transform an underutilized site into a thriving residential destination that addresses the region’s housing needs, contributes to Medford’s growth, enhances infrastructure for both current and future neighborhood residents to enjoy,” said Pat Noone, Vice President of Development at Davis.
Designed for Comfort, Community, and Sustainability
The Clayborn will offer resort-style amenities to meet the evolving needs of residents and families, including:
- A resort-style pool and fitness center
- Children’s playground, movie lounge, and makerspace workshop
- Golf simulator, putting green, and roof deck with skyline views
- Work-from-home pods, bike repair station, pet spa, and dog park
- Outdoor grills and ample green space
The site will be 100% electric and is being constructed to meet Passive House standards, ensuring top-tier energy efficiency and occupant comfort. A rooftop solar array and advanced stormwater management systems will further enhance the project’s sustainability.
Partnership with the City of Medford
Developed in collaboration with the City of Medford, The Clayborn will also bring significant public infrastructure improvements, including:
- A new Bluebikes station
- A redesigned MBTA bus stop and shelter
- Reconfiguration of a complex five-way intersection
- Replacement of city sidewalks and upgraded traffic equipment
- Road widening along Myrtle Street and Amaranth Avenue to allow two-way traffic
These improvements are expected to benefit not only future residents, but also the broader Medford community by enhancing transportation, pedestrian access, and traffic flow.
Timeline and Project Team
- Construction began in August 2025
- Phase 1 delivery expected August 2027
- Full completion projected by November 2027
The development team includes Plumb House as general contractor, CUBE 3 as architect, Bohler as civil engineer, WSP as mechanical engineer, and H+O as structural engineer.