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Northland Newton Development

From historic mills to a new mixed-use neighborhood, Northland Newton Development promotes walkability and a healthy, connected community

  • 1.4M

    Square Feet

  • 10

    Acres Open Space

  • Newton, Massachusetts

    Newton, Massachusetts

Seven miles from downtown Boston, Northland Newton Development raises the bar for sustainability, affordability, and walkability

Northland Development is reinventing a strip mall and post-industrial site in Newton, an older suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. They engaged our team to craft an urban design strategy that would make the site a focal point for the area around it—a destination with a strong sense of character.

Our inspiration came from the historic commercial villages throughout Newton. Built before cars, they embodied just the right scale for walkability. Our walkable village design is based on landscape urbanism principles—buildings with assorted green amenity roof decks reside within a new naturalistic landscape. The open spaces serve various functions and include a central village green, verdant park spaces, as well as vibrant retail streetscapes and plazas with outdoor dining. Additionally, a mobility hub plaza serves as a gateway and provides free last-mile shuttles to nearby transit.

We designed five residential buildings in the complex. Strategies to reduce energy demand include an insulated envelope, efficient mechanical systems, high-performance triple-glazed windows, and the use of mass timber. Upon completion, this mixed-use redevelopment will be one of the largest all-electric market rate Passive House projects in the world. In addition, the development is seeking LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND) Silver Certification and LEED Gold Certification.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Northland Development
Partners
  • Cube3 Studios
  • Steven Winters Associates
  • AHA Engineers
  • Cranshaw Construction
  • ODEH Engineers
Award
Built Environment Plus (BE+), Green Building Showcase Awards, Site & Landscape Award, 2023

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