PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Malden, Massachusetts
Developer: Jefferson Apartment Group
Architect: CBT Architects
Builder: Callahan Construction Managers
Interior Designer: Stantec
Opened: August 2019
Number of Units: 320
Unit Mix: Studios; one- and two-bedrooms
Rents: $2,275 to $3,660
Downtown Malden, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, has been reinvigorated with the creation of a mixed-use destination serving multiple community needs. The culmination of a seven-year partnership between the city and developer Jefferson Apartment Group, J Malden Center provides 320 luxury apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail space, 330 parking spaces, an enhanced public plaza, and a 50,000-square-foot office condominium that is home to Malden’s City Hall.
According to the developer, it is the only civic, retail, and residential mixed-use project in the commonwealth.
“It’s truly a story of the persistence of a community that wanted change to happen and worked hard to envision what the reopening of its historic retail corridor would mean for the city,” says Sandi Silk, senior vice president and development partner at Jefferson Apartment Group. “A project like this doesn’t happen without a lot of perseverance and passion. The city couldn’t be prouder of its new home.”
The development transformed Malden’s fractured city center by removing the barrier created by the old City Hall, police station, and elevated plaza and reconnecting a major pedestrian street with an MBTA public transit station, shopping, and restaurants.
Designed by CBT Architects and built by Callahan Construction Managers, the development includes two five-story wood-frame residential structures connected by a sky bridge and the five-story steel-frame office structure. The design reflects the height and character of neighboring properties while also adding new vibrancy.
Andy Ryan
J Malden Center in Malden, Massachusetts.
Mayor Gary Christensen says, “It’s not only just transformational for our city, but it’s inviting, transparent, and innovative. From the design to the architecture to the fact that this might be the only residential, retail, and civic development of its kind anywhere in the country. This area used to be an afterthought and avoided when possible, but that is no longer the case as it is now known as a destination thanks to Jefferson Apartment Group.”
According to Silk, the development offers a high-quality luxury living experience that you would find in downtown Boston in the suburbs at a much lower price point. The development features 9,000 square feet of indoor amenities, including a fitness center and mind/body studio, an indoor solarium, a club lounge, conference space and gaming areas; and more than 21,000 square feet of outdoor space, including a swimming pool, lawn areas, pergolas, fire pits, lawn games, an outdoor kitchen, and dining areas. A roof deck also offers views of the Boston skyline.
In addition to the amenities, the commercial space in J Malden Center includes a wine shop, a French-Asian bakery, and Soul City Yoga. A Korean BBQ chicken restaurant and a barcade will be coming soon.
J Malden Center’s success also has been a catalyst for additional development in the city’s core.
“The economic domino effect of our project is being felt throughout Malden. Particularly for the city, that’s a win,” adds Silk.
