2024 Year in Review: Andy Touchette, Northstar Project & Real Estate Services

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2024? 
This year, I had the exciting opportunity to collaborate with Dartmouth College on a new apartment-style housing project on their campus in Hanover, NH. Northstar is acting as the owner’s project manager to help oversee the development of the project, which broke ground this summer. New housing is a primary focus for the college and this project will bring 285 new beds into the portfolio when the building opens in 2026. Dartmouth’s significant investment marks the first step in transforming an underdeveloped part of the campus.

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2025? 
Housing availability and affordability remain crucial for stability and growth across New England. With the shift in monetary policy and the leveling of construction costs, I believe there will be increased opportunities to initiate new projects. Local governments’ additional focus on this issue has led to the creation of programs such as MBTA Communities and Boston Office to Residential Conversions, which incentivize developers to explore creative ways to make projects successful. Northstar plans to leverage our extensive experience in student housing to assist clients in expanding campus housing, thereby freeing up housing in the community.