Stoneham, MA – Spanning 20 years, Allen & Major Associates, Inc. (A&M) provided land survey; master planning; civil engineering; local, state, and federal permitting; landscape architectural design; and full construction support; for the project now known as ALTA Clara at the Fells, a 261-unit multi- family development located in Stoneham, adjacent to the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
ALTA Clara at the Fells aerial view
The project, initially called Lot “L” in the Langwood Commons Master Plan, was designed and permitted by Simpson Housing, LLP. Wood Partners ultimately completed construction on the project after breaking ground in 2018. A&M utilized every in-house division for this project starting with the civil engineering team who crafted the master plan for the 40.7-acre lot. Formerly the campus of the Boston Regional Medical Center, the original permits acquired for the site included a Special Permit/Site Plan from the town of Stoneham planning board/board of selectman and a Notice of Intent (NOI)/Order of Conditions from Stoneham Conservation Commission and MassDEP.
A&M’s landscape division provided the resort-inspired landscape design which includes an onsite dog park, a zero-entrance heated saltwater pool, a cabana that features gas grills, a custom outdoor kitchen area, a bar, a TV watching area, outdoor showers, and restrooms. Extensive hardscape design includes stacked stone walls, stamped concrete, and herringbone pattern pavers scattered throughout.
ALTA Clara at the Fells pool
Exterior lounge areas with multiple fire features provide social spaces during the seasons. Contemporary site furnishings were carefully curated for functionality and durability as well as adding color that complements the extensive plantings including trees, evergreens, and native perennials for multi-seasonal interest. Because of its proximity to the Middlesex Fells Reservation and Spot Pond, walking path connections were created for direct access to over 100 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Subsequent services to support the final build-out of the project included both civil construction documents and administration, and land survey preparation of ALTA plans, construction layout/stakeout, easement document preparation, and As-Built for Certificate of Compliance.
