Alta French Hill - Marlborough, MA

For this 276-unit multifamily development, A&M provided integrated land surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architectural services that helped transform a former industrial corridor into a vibrant mixed-use destination supporting the broader revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. By delivering these services under one roof, the project team was able to maintain continuity from existing conditions documentation and site planning through permitting, design, and construction.

The development combines residential living, ground-floor retail, public amenities, and trail connectivity, creating an active environment that serves both residents and the community. A&M's surveying services established the foundation for design and permitting efforts, while civil engineering solutions addressed site circulation, utility infrastructure, grading, drainage, and stormwater management requirements associated with the redevelopment of this complex urban site.

Extensive collaboration with municipal departments, approval boards, abutters, and community stakeholders was critical throughout the permitting process. A&M worked closely with the project team to navigate Site Plan Special Permit approvals while balancing redevelopment objectives, public infrastructure improvements, environmental considerations, and community priorities.

Landscape architecture played a key role in shaping the character of the development and creating meaningful outdoor spaces for residents and visitors. Resident amenities include two landscaped courtyards featuring a pool, bocce courts, turf recreation areas, grilling stations, a dog park, and a pergola gathering space. At the street level, the project contributes to the downtown experience through enhanced streetscape improvements, outdoor patio seating, and the incorporation of historic granite blocks salvaged from the former rail yard that once occupied the site.

The development also delivers significant public benefits through improvements adjacent to the Assabet River Rail Trail, including public parking, a restroom facility, and a snack bar that encourage connectivity between the project, downtown, and the regional trail network. Sustainable design elements, including an expansive green roof system and stormwater management improvements, provide environmental benefits while enhancing the overall character of the site. Off-site improvements further supported community connectivity through reconstruction of the Jefferson Street parking lot, trail access enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades.

The result is a thoughtfully integrated mixed-use development that supports economic revitalization, expands housing opportunities, enhances public amenities, and creates lasting value for residents, businesses, and the surrounding community.

Key Highlights

• Land surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architectural services for a 276-unit multifamily development
• Part of a larger neighborhood economic revitalization initiative
• 10,074 square feet of ground-floor retail within walking distance of downtown
• Two resident courtyards featuring a pool, bocce courts, turf areas, grilling stations, dog park, and pergola gathering space
• Downtown streetscape improvements incorporating historic granite blocks from the former rail yard
• Public parking, restroom, and snack bar supporting access to the Assabet River Rail Trail
• Repurposed slate roofing materials incorporated into site features
• Extensive municipal and stakeholder coordination throughout permitting
• Site Plan Special Permit approvals
• Large-scale green roof system providing environmental and aesthetic benefits
• O-site parking garage, trail access, utility, and stormwater infrastructure improvements