Image courtesy of Elkus Manfredi Architects

Construction of the largest dormitory in Tufts University history is set to begin within weeks, following Medford officials approval of the school’s plans in a partnership with a private developer.

Located at 401 Boston Ave. across from the MBTA’s Medford-Tufts station, the 677-bed, 275,000 square-foot dorm is expected to break ground this spring.

School officials and their private development partner, Capstone Development Partners of Birmingham, Alabama, unveiled plans for the project last fall. The height of the 10-story building attracted opposition from neighbors in the Hillside section near the Somerville line, along with Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn.

During presentations to local officials, Tufts representatives estimated that the project would diminish the student population in neighborhood housing, freeing up 200 off-campus apartments.

A community benefits agreement negotiated with the city of Medford calls for creation of a free public shuttle service to Medford Square, along with a $500,000 contribution to Medford’s affordable housing trust fund and a $500,000 contribution to a neighborhood improvement fund.

Tufts officials said they opted for the school’s first private dorm project after determining that a school-sponsored development would be too costly. The school pursued approval under the Dover amendment, a state law that limits local zoning regulations on projects sponsored by educational or religious organizations.

The construction timeline is designed to complete the project in time for start of school in August 2027.