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Medford taps developer to jumpstart Medford Square revamp
The city unveiled plans to revitalize three vacant lots into mixed-use spaces with retail, housing, and plenty of parking.
The city of Medford has selected Transom Real Estate to lead a long-anticipated transformation of three city-owned lots in Medford Square, with plans to turn the underused parcels into a mix of retail, housing, and parking.
The city announced the deal with Transom Real Estate on Friday. Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said in a statement that it will “transform Clippership Drive into a legitimate destination for our region.”
The plans include 283 apartment homes across two buildings, with 56 units designated as affordable housing, deed-restricted at 80% of the area median income.
Plans also include a 13,500-square-foot grocery store to address a need identified in the city’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan. At the Clippership Drive and Riverside Avenue intersection, a 2,500-square-foot local café and community gathering space will activate the streetscape.
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Parking improvements include a 273-space garage and 567 parking spots — 184 more than currently available — through the restoration and redesign of existing public lots.
The project also includes a partnership with Beyond Walls to curate public art installations and emphasizes pedestrian- and bike-friendly infrastructure, including enhanced crosswalks and safer streets.
Further changes to the proposal and the negotiation of a final land lease and agreement will occur over the next several months. The final agreement will then go before the City Council for consideration and approval.
Transom Real Estate’s proposal calls for construction to start in the second half of next year, with a grand opening expected in September 2028.
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Transom Real Estate’s previous work includes the Converse World Headquarters at Lovejoy Wharf, the residences at The Beverly in North Station, and 212 Stuart Street in Bay Village. The city chose the firm through a request for a proposal.
“The redevelopment of the site is a once-in-a-generation chance to energize the existing neighborhood and usher in the next stage of progression,” Transom staff wrote in the RFP submission.
Work to transform this major city intersection began several years ago, when the Metropolitan Area Planning Council engaged with the community to determine its priorities. The 2017 Medford Square Master Plan informed the scope and direction of the request for proposal.
The city’s development goals included supporting local businesses in Medford Square with new residents, upgrading parking options for the Senior Center, and attracting regional visitors to places like the Chevalier Theater.
“It’s important to remember that this proposal is just that, a starting point and a potential look at what the space is capable of,” Mayor Lungo-Koehn said. “There is work to be done before shovels hit the ground, and the community will be involved every step of the way.”
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