Greystar and Haseko North America break ground on MBTA Communities Act multifamily development in Needham, MA

Needham, MA Greystar, a global leader in investment management, development, and property management, and Haseko North America, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s largest condominium construction firm, broke ground on a new, 189-unit multifamily development at 100 West St. 100 West, which adds a mix of apartment sizes and 24 units of affordable housing to the community, is one of the largest projects to advance through zoning established under Section 3A of the Massachusetts Zoning Act, otherwise known as the MBTA Communities Act.

“This project exemplifies the spirit of the MBTA Communities law,” said undersecretary Chris Kluchman of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “It’s close to transit, it transforms previously vacant, unproductive space into a combination of market rate and affordable homes, and it creates an enhanced local revenue stream to help fund schools and other local services long into the future. I appreciate the development team and local leaders in Needham who have worked hard and lawfully on this 3A district and help make projects like this one possible.”

 The MBTA Communities law was designed to create zoning that encourages new missing middle housing in areas served by public transit and provide opportunities for people to live, work and thrive in walkable neighborhoods closer to transit. The vision for 100 West captures the essence of this law and its goals. Future residents of 100 West’s studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes will benefit from the convenience and walkability that is uncommon in comparable suburban settings. Directly across Highland Ave. is a grocer (Trader Joe’s) and pharmacy (CVS) while the Needham Heights Commuter Rail stop, providing direct access to downtown Boston, is directly adjacent to the project across West St.

Constructed to Passive House standards with energy efficiencies in mind, the redevelopment of 100 West St. is designed to integrate into the streetscape of the existing retail and residences in Needham Heights. On the site of a former assisted living facility, it will introduce new green space along Highland Ave. and offer a distinct product featuring direct-entry units at the ground level.

Greystar has developed over 2,000 units of housing in Massachusetts to date, including 1,905 units across five buildings in the Commercial Triangle of Everett. 100 West is anticipated to welcome its first residents in Summer 2027.

Greystar and Haseko first collaborated on Birchway Elk Grove, a new multifamily development located in Elk Grove, California, that is expected to deliver this summer. 100 West St. represents Haseko’s first foray into the northeast region of the U.S.

“100 West St. represents the alignment of local leadership, state policy, and private investment to address our housing needs,” said representative Joshua Tarsky, 13^th Norfolk District. 

“Massachusetts is facing a real housing shortage, and we know that if we want to make our communities more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable, we need to build more housing in the right places. This site, directly across from the Needham Heights commuter rail, is exactly the kind of location where that growth makes sense, and the inclusion of affordable units and the commitment to high energy efficiency standards are especially important as we think about long term impact.”

 “I’m pleased to be here to recognize the history of this property, the hard work that brought us here, the people who did that work, and the promise of what comes next,” said Needham select board member Heidi Frail. “100 West St. is Needham’s first large-scale multifamily housing project under the MBTA Communities Act. It will support nearby businesses, contribute to the vitality of this area, and welcome new faces to our community.”

 “We are delighted to commence work on 100 West St. to deliver more housing at a time where the need has never been greater,” said Ryan Souls, managing director of development at Greystar. “Through its MBTA Communities Act rezoning, the Town of Needham has made the entitlement process incredibly straightforward, and we are grateful for their engagement to this point. Greystar is also excited to build on the relationship with Haseko, and we appreciate their continued partnership.”