Plans for a 90-unit apartment complex at 100 Linden St. in Wellesley gave way to a 35-unit condominium development after developers’ discussions with neighbors and town officials. Image courtesy of Embarc Studio
A once-controversial 90-unit rental project originally proposed under Chapter 40B has been successfully transformed into a thoughtfully scaled, 35-unit luxury condominium building through a collaborative rezoning effort led by TRAX Development and architectural firm EMBARC, in partnership with the town of Wellesley.
The project, now known as TERRAZZA, is a direct result of working closely with town officials, boards and neighbors to pivot from the state’s Chapter 40B permitting process to a locally guided rezoning under the Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO) district. This collaborative approach allowed the development team to reshape the project while meeting community goals and preserving architectural integrity.
When TRAX Development first explored the site at 100 Linden St., the initial plan called for a 90-unit rental development under Chapter 40B, which would have limited the town’s ability to influence zoning, design and density. Though legal, the plan raised concerns about scale, traffic and long-term rental impacts from town residents and officials.
Rather than move forward with limited local oversight, TRAX and EMBARC began working directly with the Planning Board, Select Board and community members. These early discussions highlighted shared goals: reduce the building’s scale, promote homeownership and integrate design that complements the neighborhood.
This open dialogue laid the foundation for a rezoning strategy under the RIO district, which encourages smart growth near transit and commercial centers, but requires public review and approval by Wellesley’s town meeting.
Rezoning Approved by Town Meeting
In 2020, the development team presented a rezoning article to Wellesley’s Annual Town Meeting. The proposal applied the RIO zoning to the site and outlined a dramatically scaled-down plan for 39 condominiums and townhomes, including four affordable units (10 percent), garage parking and high-end amenities.
Thanks to extensive community outreach and transparent design revisions, the proposal received approval exceeding the then-required two-thirds majority vote – a major milestone in the project’s evolution.
With RIO zoning in place, Terrazza Wellesley now offers 35 condominium homes featuring bespoke amenities and elevated interior design elements. Designed by EMBARC, the architecture responds to the site’s hillside topography through a stepped massing and warm material palette that blends with the surrounding neighborhood.
Dartagnan Brown
Starting at $1.2 million, with floor plans ranging from 770 to 2,400 square feet, all homes at TERRAZZA feature the carefully considered luxury amenities with the warmth of an individual home. Garage parking for two cars, on-site EV charging stations, private storage units, elevator access and on-site concierge service completes the bespoke experience.
Every home at TERRAZZA is unique and thoughtfully curated with designer elements, including floor-to-ceiling triple-pane windows for extensive natural light, gas fireplaces, hand-stained walnut entries and hardwood floors.
The success of this community-driven project reflects the strength of local engagement, thoughtful design and responsible growth.
Dartagnan Brown is founder and CEO of Embarc.
