Maugel DeStefano Architects receives approval for, Grafton Woods, a 491-unit apartment community

Worcester, MA According to Maugel DeStefano Architects, Grafton Woods, a new 491-unit apartment community, has received Zoning and Planning Board approvals from the city. This milestone marks a significant step toward delivering a transformative mixed-use residential development for the city. 

The project, designed for developer KMG Holdings, will revitalize a long-blighted site on Brandt Ln. and bring vibrant new housing options to the neighborhood – located near the 77-acre Perkins Farm, Roosevelt Elementary School, and the Grafton St. retail corridor. 

Grafton Woods reimagines traditional New England architecture through a contemporary lens. The five-building development features four-story structures composed of brick and lap siding with modern materials such as smooth metal and fiber cement panels. The upper floors showcase a modern mansard roofline, reducing the scale of the buildings while adding visual interest. Each structure incorporates a mix of balconies, patios, and rooftop decks, breaking down the building massing and activating views and outdoor public spaces – fostering a welcoming, residential character throughout the community. 

Grafton Woods offers indoor and outdoor amenities, with a focus on resident engagement and wellness. Features include: 
• Club rooms, function rooms, and game rooms; 
• Work-from-home lounges; 
• Pet spas and bike storage; 
• Fitness centers and wellness rooms;
• Rooftop decks, cafés, and outdoor social areas; 
• Secured package rooms and rentable tenant storage; 
• Landscaped courtyards, walking paths, pickleball courts, and dog parks; 
• Pool and lounge, firepits, and grill stations; and
• Commercial space to serve both residents and the local community.

Each of the five buildings is carefully positioned to enhance pedestrian flow, with a vehicle loop road located on the site perimeter to improve fire access and maintain a safe, walkable environment. Four of the five buildings will include covered, conditioned basement parking.

Grafton Woods will incorporate Passive House energy-efficient design elements to promote sustainability and resident comfort. The development also includes planned enhancements to the O’Hara Brook Resource Area, contributing to local ecological restoration and increasing access to natural open space. 

This project is positioned to generate significant benefits for the surrounding community, including: 
• Cleaning up and repurposing a previously neglected site; 
• Providing new, high-quality housing options; 
• Enhancing green spaces and local ecology; 
• Improving pedestrian safety and infrastructure; 
• Supporting nearby businesses and boosting economic activity; and 
• Improving the Grafton streetfront corridor and providing new commercial space. 

“Our goal with Grafton Woods is to create more than just housing – we’re building a vibrant, connected community,” said Mark Pelletier, principal at Maugel DeStefano Architects. “This residential development honors Worcester’s history while helping to shape its future.”