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Waverley Woods Belmont, MA

EDITOR'S DESIGN CHOICE

Waverley Woods was the first affordable rental housing built in Belmont, a wealthy Boston suburb, since the 1950s. Image copyright Ed Wonsek, and courtesy of Davis Square Architects

Waverley Woods was constructed on a hilly infill site, which presented a challenge for designers. Image copyright Ed Wonsek, and courtesy of Davis Square Architects

The play surfaces at Waverley Woods are made of recycled materials. Image copyright Ed Wonsek, and courtesy of Davis Square Architects

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The town of Belmont, a commuter suburb of Boston, is renowned for its excellent public schools, mansions atop Belmont Hill, and elite boys’ prep school. In this affluent suburb, a new affordable, multi-family housing development, Waverley Woods, has garnered award after award.

Waverley Woods has 40 rental units, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, in six buildings. The development was built to exceed Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development guidelines for sustainable and accessible housing, as well as Energy Star Home standards. Waverley Woods has an active waiting list and has attracted a mix of Caucasian, African-American, and Asian residents. The site is within easy walking distance of local train and bus lines, and residents can also walk to nearby shopping.

Waverley Woods was the first affordable rental housing built in Belmont since the 1950s. Designer Davis Square Architects notes that the three-story, wood-framed homes were “carefully detailed to fit into the scale and vocabulary of Belmont’s finest homes.” With Waverley Woods, Belmont has shown how highly desirable suburban communities can meet 21st century housing needs, while remaining true to their established character.