36 Bedford Terrace | Northampton, MA

The Challenge

In order to construct a centrally located state-of-the-art facility suitable for its pioneering undergraduate engineering program, Smith College needed to take down several older apartment buildings that the school traditionally rented to the public at below-market rates. To address municipal concerns about the loss of affordable housing, Smith agreed to provide new affordable housing units at some of its previously acquired residential property.

The ODG Approach

To define the best approach for satisfying Smith’s civic obligation, the O’Connell Development Group evaluated the college’s available real estate to determine the optimum location and building options for the planned replacement housing. Moving through the design stage, our strategy incorporated the tasteful renovation of one of Smith’s historic buildings as well as new construction on adjacent property. We realized the project, creating and assuming ownership of 14 one-bedroom apartments, 9 two-bedroom apartments, and 2 three-bedroom apartments, all of which are managed by our affiliate, Appleton Corporation — an arrangement that released Smith from the need to perpetually own and maintain non-student housing.

The Result

This tasteful residential property satisfies a municipal requirement that allowed for Smith College’s expansion: providing quality affordable housing within easy walking distance to Northampton’s downtown shops, restaurants, and bus station.