Skanska and Simmons University partner to finalize ground lease that enables transformational development
A new project will soon be brought to life following the university’s confirmation of planning permission
Longwood Place project, a proposed 1.7 million square foot mixed-use development, will bring new living, office, housing, retail, and community space improvements to the Longwood Medical Area (LMA).
Skanska USA Commercial Development shared that it received official zoning approval of its Planned Development Area (PDA) from the Boston Zoning Commission on 14th April 2023.
The company entered into an agreement with Simmons University to develop and construct a living and learning center at the institution’s Academic Campus in exchange for a 99-year ground leasehold interest in the 5.88 acres Residential Campus of Simmons University.
Confirmation of planning permission represents a significant milestone in Skanska’s partnership with Simmons University to support ‘One Simmons,’ the institution’s three-phased strategic masterplan that will consolidate all of the university facilities onto one campus.
“We celebrate a milestone in a partnership that has grown stronger over the years and a shared vision that will deliver a high-quality, dynamic and welcoming living, working, and open space to enhance our community and solidify a sustainable future for Simmons University,” said Carolyn Desmond, Vice President of Skanska USA Commercial Development’s Boston office. “Skanska is eager to deliver much needed lab and research space to support Boston’s healthcare ecosystem, provide more housing opportunities and enhanced ground-level amenities and transportation options in an intentional and sustainable manner that will create the ideal destination neighborhood.”
Longwood Place will create a vibrant nucleus of sustainable research and workspaces, active community amenities, much needed housing, and an inclusive public realm in the LMA. The project is designed to include 1.7 million square feet that will deliver class-A life science and office space, 44,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, community spaces, and over 380 units of market rate and affordable housing across five buildings to be delivered in phases over the next ten years and beyond.
Simmons and Skanska are eager to deliver a shared vision that will transform Simmons’ currently closed-off residential campus into a connected, vibrant mixed-use destination that provides a community gathering place and public amenities, which are severely lacking in the neighborhood.
Longwood Place is organized around 2.6 acres of new publicly accessible open space that will be designed and programmed to accommodate a mix of active and passive uses.