Mixed-Use Harvard University Project Celebrates Topping Out
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. 鈥 Boston-based Shawmut Design and Construction has officially topped out a new sustainable mixed-use facility in the Allston neighborhood that will serve the Harvard University community by providing student housing and inviting public spaces. The project is part of a larger transformation of 175 North Harvard Street, which includes the new home for the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.). The mixed-use project is bringing 276 student residential units to the area alongside public-facing amenities 鈥 all with a focus on sustainability. 听
The project team also includes New York-based Marvel, with Cambridge firm NorthStar Project & Real Estate Services serving as project manager.听
鈥淭he topping off of 100 South Campus Drive is a milestone moment for both the Harvard and Allston communities,鈥 said Kevin Sullivan, executive vice president of Shawmut鈥檚 New England Region, in a statement. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to partner with Harvard on this transformative project, delivering critical sustainable housing and public spaces. Together with the new home of the American Repertory Theater, the reimagining of 175 North Harvard Street will establish a dynamic, sustainable live-play hub for the community.鈥听
The project鈥檚 ground level will include 75 car parking spaces and 250 sheltered bicycle parking spaces. It will also include tree-lined areas and numerous green spaces, fostering a biophilic environment for urban connectivity, as well as an integrated stormwater-management system.听听听听
When complete, the low-rise building will also feature a plethora of natural daylight. The facade will showcase multiple windows using triple-glazed technology as well as an optimized window-to-wall ratio and double-height glass enclosures to help maintain energy efficiency while also bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces.听听
The building is set to achieve Living Building Challenge Certification from the International Living Future Institute, a certification program that recognizes projects that perform exceptionally in the areas of water, energy and materials use 鈥 and measures metrics such as equity, beauty, place, health and happiness.听听
The new American Repertory Theater (A.R.T) in Allston, also built听by Shawmut Design and Construction, began construction in March 2024 and is slated to open doors in 2026. The A.R.T.鈥檚 predecessor, the Loeb Drama Center, was undersized for current needs and faced aging-related maintenance challenges.听The new community-integrated, highly sustainable complex will provide both entertainment and collaborative public spaces.听

The David E. and Stacy L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance within the A.R.T. is the first project in the US designed by UK-based architecture firm Haworth Tompkins, which was selected for its experience with theater and sustainable design as well as urban development.听The firm designed the facility to achieve Living Building Challenge core accreditation from the International Living Future Institute through its sustainable and regenerative design.听The structure itself will minimize carbon use through the integration of laminate mass timber, recycled brick and cedar cladding. Rooftop solar panels will capture clean energy, while a green roof featuring a variety of plants will help manage stormwater and promote biodiversity. The building鈥檚 water and electric utilities will be derived from Harvard University鈥檚 new 58,000-square-foot lower-carbon District Energy Facility that was completed in 2021 and has since earned LEED Gold certification.听
The center鈥檚 West Stage will support large-scale productions while the East Stage will accommodate more intimate shows. Technical shops and administrative offices will be located throughout the building. The A.R.T will also house state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, a spacious lobby and an outdoor performance yard that will host free and ticketed performances. With a focus on community, the complex will offer food and beverage services, public restrooms, meeting spaces, art installations and room rental opportunities as well as听free Wi-Fi.听
Once the A.R.T. is complete, the Loeb Center is set to be renovated and transitioned into an additional space for theater, dance and media program students with private bathrooms and showers, an on-site costume shop, rehearsal spaces and above-ground dressing rooms.听听