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A significant new housing proposal is on the horizon for Davis Square!
Developer Copper Mill has filed for a Chapter 40B permit to construct a 26-story, 502-unit apartment high-rise at the corner of Elm and Grove Streets, with 25% of the units designated as affordable housing.
Utilizing the state’s 40B process, the project aims to bring both affordable and market-rate housing into the heart of Davis Square. We are currently building this page as your go-to resource for project updates, documents, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, community engagement opportunities, and more.
Keep an eye on the project timeline to the right to keep track of progress and expected next steps! A filled blue bubble indicates current status.
As information becomes available to the City, it will be centralized here. Check back for more details or sign up for project alerts to be notified when there is an update to this page!
A significant new housing proposal is on the horizon for Davis Square!
Developer Copper Mill has filed for a Chapter 40B permit to construct a 26-story, 502-unit apartment high-rise at the corner of Elm and Grove Streets, with 25% of the units designated as affordable housing.
Utilizing the state’s 40B process, the project aims to bring both affordable and market-rate housing into the heart of Davis Square. We are currently building this page as your go-to resource for project updates, documents, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, community engagement opportunities, and more.
Keep an eye on the project timeline to the right to keep track of progress and expected next steps! A filled blue bubble indicates current status.
As information becomes available to the City, it will be centralized here. Check back for more details or sign up for project alerts to be notified when there is an update to this page!
Page last updated: 27 Jan 2026, 11:33 AM
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Timeline
Project Eligibility Letter (PEL)
Davis Square 40B Project is currently at this stage
The 40B comprehensive permit process begins with a PEL application to one of the four agencies (MassHousing, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, Department of Housing and Community Development, or MassDevelopment). Without a written Project Eligibility determination granted by one of these agencies, a developer cannot file a comprehensive permit application.
Local Comment Period
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
The agency notifies the municipality of the application, beginning a 30-day period to submit comments about the project and schedule a site visit.
Subsidizing Agency Determination
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
After the local comment period is closed, the subsidizing agency will issue a decision. If the agency finds the project to have met 40B regulations and the application valid, they will issue the PEL determination to the developer, the Mayor and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
Comprehensive Permit Application
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
Once the developer receives the PEL determination, they will file for a Comprehensive Permit Application through the ZBA. The CPA triggers the following steps 5A and 5B.
ZBA Review
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
5A WITHIN 7 DAYS: of CPA filing date theZBA must distribute the Comprehensive Permit Application to local boards/committees/departments.
5B WITHIN 30 DAYS: of CPA filing date the ZBA will hold open a public hearing within 30 days of receipt of the Comprehensive Permit application.
Public Hearing Close
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
Within 180 days from the opening of the public hearing, ZBA must close the public hearing unless the applicant agrees to an extension in writing.
ZBA Decision
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
Within 40 days from the close of the public hearing, the ZBA must come to a decision and file it with the city clerk.
Opportunity to File an Appeal
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
Within 20 days from the decision filing, the applicant can file an appeal with the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) if the ZBA denies the permit OR if the terms and conditions of the permit are unsatisfactory.
Final Approval Application
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
If a comprehensive permit is approved, and no appeal is filed within the deadline, the developer must submit a Final Approval Application to the subsidizing agency.
Construction
this is an upcoming stage for Davis Square 40B Project
When the Final Approval Application is approved by the subsidizing agency, the developer must complete the following: prepare architectural and engineering plans, apply for a Building Permit with the municipality, and meet all pre-agreed conditions.
