Horsley Witten Group releases redevelopment assessment for Merrimac, Mass. affordable housing project

Merrimac, MA Horsley Witten Group, an environmental consulting firm specializing in sustainable and resilient design solutions, worked with the town, and with MassDevelopment to lead a redevelopment assessment of two vacant, town-owned properties near Merrimac Square. The assessment evaluated the potential to transform the properties into sites for much-needed affordable housing.

Supported through MassDevelopment’s Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program, the assessment evaluates existing conditions and development potential at two vacant, town-owned properties near Merrimac Square: 2 Littles Court and 28 School St. This project was also supported by earlier funding from MassDevelopment related to environmental remediation work.

The town plans to advance the properties together as a Local Initiative Program (LIP) project under Chapter 40B, commonly known as a “Friendly 40B.” Evaluating the sites together has allowed the town to consider each property’s unique conditions while pursuing a coordinated approach to affordable housing development. The effort builds on the town’s 2024-2029 Housing Production Plan and the work of the Affordable Housing Board of Trustees.

Littles Court was once home to a carriage factory and later a brass foundry before operating as a metal plating facility. School St. is the former site of Merrimac’s Senior Center. Early planning identified the potential for 30 units of housing at Littles Court and 10 units at School St.

As lead consultant for the assessment, Horsley Witten Group developed a Municipal Surplus Property Plan that evaluates site conditions, infrastructure, zoning, natural resource constraints, and environmental considerations associated with the properties. 

The work has provided the town and future developers with the information needed to evaluate redevelopment opportunities and guide future development decisions.

Horsley Witten Group worked with Union Studio Architecture and Community Design, who developed conceptual plans and visualizations illustrating potential redevelopment scenarios for the properties. Together with the existing conditions assessment, this work will help inform the town’s future request for proposals process.

“Communities across Massachusetts are looking for ways to create more housing opportunities while working within the realities of existing sites and neighborhoods,” said Nate Kelly, president of Horsley Witten Group. “By taking a close look at these properties early in the process, Merrimac and future developers have a better understanding of what is possible, what challenges need to be addressed, and how to move forward with an affordable housing strategy that fits the community.”

“MassDevelopment has been pleased to partner with the Town of Merrimac to advance the redevelopment potential of these vacant sites,” said MassDevelopment president and CEO Navjeet Bal. “This includes providing a real estate services technical assistance award to fund an important assessment by Horsely Witten Group evaluating the potential of both properties to be transformed into affordable housing, as well as providing a Brownfields Redevelopment Fund award to help the town begin the assessment and remediation of Littles Court.”

“The redevelopment of these two sites will not only play a role in beautifying our downtown area but will provide needed affordable housing in the town of Merrimac,” said town select board member Janet Bruno. “These concept plans are the first step in achieving those goals.”

Horsley Witten Group develops environmental solutions that help people, businesses, municipalities, and the environment flourish together through a holistic approach to sustainable design.