Image courtesy of ICON Architecture

A new 70,000-square-foot development steps from the MBTA’s Alewife station will combine affordable housing and job training programs in partnership with developer IQHQ Inc. and the Massachusetts Life Science Center.

Cambridge-based nonprofit Just A Start is developing The Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons. Just A Start will expand programs to serve economically disadvantaged populations.

A workforce training and early childhood education program will occupy classrooms, workshops and labs on the lower floors of the facility. The project is being built on former surface parking next to the 402 Rindge Ave.housing tower, which contains 273 affordable apartments. 

The project also includes four preschool classrooms in partnership with the city of Cambridge. The top three floors will be occupied by 24 income-restricted apartments.

Completion is scheduled for early 2024.

IQHQ Inc. has emerged as a major life science landlord in West Cambridge after buying the Alewife Park campus in 2020 and proposing an expansion and redevelopment.