(Cambridge, MA) Leadership from DivcoWest today joined representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the MBTA, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation and the cities of Boston, Cambridge and Somerville in celebrating the completion of the Green Line Extension. DivcoWest has been a key partner with the MBTA and helped make the Green Line Extension (GLX) a reality.
“Our investment in Cambridge Crossing is directly tied to the pivotal location this site plays at the intersection of Boston, Cambridge and Somerville. These are the very same reasons that the extension of the Green Line is so important to the larger community. It dramatically expands the capacity of the oldest subway system in the country to connect many of our great academic, healthcare and cultural institutions with companies, residential neighborhoods and beloved open spaces,” said Stuart Shiff, CEO and Founder DivcoWest. “We could not be prouder to play a part in achieving this milestone and extending the benefits of the Green Line to several new communities and we thank the MBTA for their great partnership.”
Recognizing the benefits of an extended Green Line to the entire region, as well as its own adjacent 43 acre Cambridge Crossing project, DivcoWest collaborated with the MBTA and city of Cambridge to support the Green Line Extension. DivcoWest provided matching funds to the city of Cambridge, allowing the city to meet its contribution obligation to the project. In addition, DivcoWest provide construction laydown space and easements to the MBTA, and constructed plazas surrounding the new Lechmere Station. Throughout the construction process, DivcoWest closely coordinated with the MBTA to ensure delivery of these two large scale construction projects – the Green Line and Cambridge Crossing Development.
“A project of this nature, which spans three municipalities and involves city, state and federal funding, is by its nature complex. As a private partner to the Commonwealth and our community of Cambridge, we were able to support the MBTA as the design and other aspects of the project evolved,” said Mark Johnson, Managing Director, DivcoWest.
The Green Line Extension has also been critical to unlocking the potential of Cambridge Crossing, a 4.5 million square feet of mixed-use development. The transit-oriented Cambridge Crossing project will ultimately host more than 2 million square feet of mission-driven life sciences space. Current tenant partners include Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cerevel Therapeutics, and Thrive Earlier Detection. The project will ultimately include over 2400 new residences, 6 public parks and plazas, community-oriented retail and locally owned restaurants.
“We can’t underestimate the combined impact that the Green Line extension and the successful development of Cambridge Crossing will have in extending Massachusetts’ reputation as the world leader in scientific research and discovery. This is a clear example of how investments in transit can drive innovation and opportunity,” said Mark Roopenian, Managing Director, DivcoWest.