A Blueprint for Collaboration

How Szecon Development Worked with the MBTA on Cedar Park One64

When Szecon Development broke ground on our first multifamily mixed-income development, Cedar Park One64, it marked more than just a company milestone—it represented the successful culmination of a true public-private partnership. A key component of this success was our collaborative relationship with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

By special permit the site would support a multi-family building of approximately 50 units, with 15% affordable. But through our partnership with the MBTA the site is being optimized to provide the denser, transit-oriented development desperately needed by the Commonwealth.

Our partnership with the MBTA on this project was a win-win, proving that thoughtful collaboration can lead to significant benefits for all involved. To enhance our new development, the MBTA granted us a use easement on a small, unused parcel of land adjacent to our site, which allowed us to create a new parking area for our residents. This was a critical piece of the project's puzzle, and we are grateful for the MBTA's flexibility and support.

“This project represents exactly the kind of public, private partnership that delivers tangible benefits for our communities. By working together, not only are we supporting the creation of 80 new housing units, including 20 affordable homes, but we are also strengthening the connection between housing development and transit access.”

- Erin McCabe, MBTA Chief of Real Estate

We were honored to have Erin McCabe, Chief of Real Estate for the MBTA, speak at our groundbreaking ceremony, where she spoke about how this project was a perfect example of how cooperation between the public and private sectors can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.

In return, we were proud to grant the MBTA an easement that could provide a new pathway for transit riders. In the future this new walkway may provide an alternate egress from the adjacent Cedar Park Station platform, giving commuters a safe and convenient route around our building to the sidewalk.

This partnership serves as a strong illustration of the MBTA's commitment to its mission of enabling Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) whenever possible. By working together, we were able to maximize the functionality of both our sites and create a more integrated, accessible project for the entire community. This partnership not only helped us navigate a complex development but also demonstrated how private industry and public agencies can work in concert to build a better future.