Exciting New 664-Bed Student Residence Halls Coming to Tufts University in Medford – What This Means for Boston’s Housing Landscape

MEDFORD, MA — Tufts University is kicking off a major student housing project that will feature two new residence halls and 664 apartment-style beds. This initiative aims to meet the rising demand for on-campus housing and will be ready by Fall 2027.

This project is part of Tufts’ broader plan to ease pressure on the local housing market while enhancing campus life. Located next to the Medford/Tufts Green Line station, the new buildings will replace a former surface parking lot, creating a fresh gateway along Boston Avenue.

Tufts has teamed up with Capstone Development Partners, a key player in higher education housing. Alongside them are Provident Resources Group, Elkus Manfredi Architects, Erland Construction, and Barclays. This public-private partnership (P3) aims to create a vibrant community on campus.

“Thanks to our development team, we’ve found ways to cut costs and time while ensuring this project benefits both students and neighbors,” said Mike Howard, Tufts’ Executive Vice President. “It’s all about enhancing the student experience in a sustainable way.”

The new development will occupy 271,000 square feet and stand up to ten stories tall. It will include a mix of studio, two-, four-, and six-bedroom units, plus nearly 12,000 square feet dedicated to amenities like lounges, fitness areas, conference rooms, and laundry facilities. The ground floors will also feature 4,000 square feet of retail space to improve the local vibe.

“This isn’t just about housing; it’s about building a community,” said Walker May, Executive Vice President of Capstone. “By providing affordable and quality housing, we’re boosting support for students and the neighborhood.”

Designed to Passive House standards, these all-electric buildings will focus on energy efficiency and better indoor air quality. Improvements along Boston Avenue will help integrate the new spaces into the existing community.

“Our work with Capstone and Tufts will create an environment that promotes wellness and community,” said David P. Manfredi, CEO of Elkus Manfredi Architects. These initiatives acknowledge the rising need for sustainable living solutions, especially among students.

Construction is in skilled hands with Erland Construction, emphasizing safety and neighborhood impact. “This project adds significant value to both Tufts and Medford,” said Eric Greene, Vice President at Erland. “We’re thrilled to help make this vision real.”

Leasing for these new residence halls will prioritize upper-division students who want to live close to campus facilities. This move aims to align with current trends in student housing, where many seek more community-focused living environments.

According to a recent report from the National Association of Student Housing, nearly 60% of students prefer living on or near campus. This new project at Tufts is set to meet that expectation, promoting an engaging campus life while addressing local housing concerns. As the construction progresses, it will be interesting to see how this project enhances both student experience and community dynamics.

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