Twining Properties breaks ground on $190 million mixed use development known as Mass+Main

Cambridge, MA Twining Properties, joined by state treasurer Deborah Goldberg and mayor Denise Simmons, broke ground on Mass+Main, a 308,000 s/f development in Central Sq. The project will create 308 mixed-income apartments and 17,000 s/f of retail overlooking Lafayette Sq., on the MBTA’s Red Line and between MIT and Harvard University.

The $190 million Mass+Main development is a joint venture between developer Twining Properties and its capital partner Mass PRIM. Construction of the three buildings will be completed in phases from fall 2018 through mid-2020.

Mass+Main will mark the entrance to Central Sq., at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. and Main St., the project will have 248 market rate and 60 affordable apartments in three buildings offering a variety of housing options from a tower with views of the Charles River and Boston, a six story building with studios and roommate units, and a four story building designed for families.

“Mass+Main will create a vibrant new place to live, shop and dine in Central Square,” said Alex Twining, CEO of Twining Properties. “We’re proud to be creating a wide array of apartments for varying incomes and ages above the Central Market an eclectic mix of shops and dining overlooking the park which will create a dynamic public gathering place.”

Designed by CBT Architects to LEED Gold standards, Mass+Main will be a sustainable green community which includes green roof terraces, energy tracking, wind energy and smoke-free apartments. This transit oriented development with access to the Red Line and MBTA buses, will have car sharing, electric charging stations, bike sharing with an onsite Hubway Station. 

“The affordable housing and mixed-income elements of this development give families an opportunity to stay and live in Cambridge,” said Goldberg. “PRIM, representing the public employees and taxpayers of Massachusetts, is proud to invest in projects like this that prioritize affordable and mixed-income housing in a way that supports our communities. This is an example of that commitment.”

Mass+Main will extend Central Sq.’s shopping district with small retail shops and enhance the pedestrian and urban experience. Shops, restaurants and food vendors will line sidewalks and passageways, creating retail for the residents and visitors to Central Sq.

“As someone who has long been working to ensure that Cambridge adds to our stock of affordable housing and who wants to find ways to breathe new life into Central Sq., I’m excited because Mass+Main moves us closer to both of these goals,” said mayor Simmons. “Mass+Main is the first Cambridge apartment development to provide 20 percent affordable housing units, and it’s a terrific example of our intentional effort to create and support greater socioeconomic diversity in Cambridge.”

 Twining Properties focuses on the investment and development of urban mixed use residential, office, retail and hotel buildings at transit nodes along the Northeast Corridor from Boston to New York City.