Surplus land at Salem State University's South Campus is planned for 473 rental homes in two phases, the governor's office said after an Oct. 2 groundbreaking ceremony in Salem, Massachusetts.
The state said the project will turn about 23 acres along Harrison Road and Loring Avenue into 473 rental homes in two phases. It is part of the administration's State Land for Homes initiative. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joined state and local officials and development partners at the ceremony.
The first phase, Avalon Salem, will be 340 rental homes. The state said construction is anticipated to begin in winter 2026-27, and that 20% of the homes will be available to households with incomes at or below 80% of area median income and at or below 60% of area median income. The release does not say how that share is split.
The second phase, WinnDevelopment's Forest River Residences, will add at least 133 homes, the state said. At least 40% of those units are to be affordable to households at or below 60% of area median income. The state said this phase is expected to close in 2028. That is a closing target, not a stated construction-completion date.