The City of Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and one of its most populous and modern areas. It has served as the economic and cultural center for the metropolitan area of Greater Boston. Greater Boston is home to numerous colleges and universities, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, rendering the region a world leader in education and research. Boston is also a publishing center with big names such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Pearson PLC having offices and publishing units in the city.
Boston’s economic base also includes finance and banking services, healthcare services, tourism, and government activities. As both a historically significant site and a thriving urban center, Boston is home to a large population and welcomes a considerable number of tourists every year. Multifamily residences are preferred over single-family homes due to the city’s density. Whether you are a developer looking to invest in multifamily residences or one looking for the best condos in the city, this list of the best multifamily contractors in Boston, Massachusetts will help you find contractors and projects that match your needs. While not all these firms are based in Boston, they serve and engage in construction projects within the Greater Boston metropolitan area.
Delphi Construction, Inc.
255 Bear Hill Road Suite, 301 Waltham, MA 02451
Delphi Construction is a comprehensive construction company that provides preconstruction, construction, and post-construction services to a wide array of clients. Founded in 1992 with a focus on healthcare construction, Delphi has expanded to work on places of worship, corporate offices, banks, and various types of residences. Committed to the core values of honesty and integrity, Delphi takes a personalized approach to every project and always puts clients’ needs first.
In multi-family residential construction, Delphi focuses on building homes that improve communities. Delphi’s approach is highly personalized and contingent on a community’s character and needs: every community is different. In the Wyeth Apartments in Cambridge, Delphi conducted extensive renovations, additions, and complete site work. About 55,000 square feet of abandoned buildings were converted into LEED Platinum Certified luxury apartments. The work included creating 97 parking spaces, 32 bicycle spaces, a gym, and a common lawn area while protecting the mature trees already on site. Utilities were converted to safer, more sustainable options, and access to the building was improved. These modifications reflect the Cambridge community of young professionals who care for the environment and promote a healthier lifestyle. All construction and renovations were completed on a remarkable timeline of 16 months.
Haycon
35 Batchelder Street, Boston, MA 02119
Haycon is an award-winning design-build firm founded by architects Patrick Haydon and David Bemiss in 2009. The firm engages in home and commercial space construction as well as historic restoration. With the increasing global concern for the environment, architects and builders have shifted towards building energy-efficient and sustainable structures. Haycon goes beyond building high-performance residences and commercial spaces by streamlining construction through sustainable building practices. Such building practices result in lower emissions throughout the construction process and a more durable and efficient structure. Haycon does this by ensuring that all construction projects are designed and built according to PHIUS passive building certification standards.
Haycon’s innovative, streamlined process is evident in the 1065 Tremont Street multifamily residence construction project. The work included the construction of a 6-story, 16-unit apartment building at a project cost of $4 million and a timeline of a little over 12 months. The building was a type 3 construction with non-combustible walls and a wood-framed roof, which added to its efficiency and safety. Bay windows were used in each unit to maximize natural lighting and lower electricity consumption. Units were also furnished with high-efficiency appliances to further lower the building’s carbon footprint. Such specificity in design and construction shows Haycon’s dedication to sustainability and efficiency.
Essex Builders
45 Dan Road, Suite 300 Canton, MA 02021
Essex Builders is a full-service general contracting and construction management firm that engages in residential, mixed-use, and retail construction projects. Since its founding in 1984, Essex has established a lasting relationship with numerous contractors and vendors. This gives clients a wider array of possibilities in terms of materials, designs, and overall project management. Grounded on the core value of teamwork, Essex consistently exceeds client expectations by ensuring that all team members are focused on the same goal. Founder and CEO David O’Neil has a degree in building construction technology and has extensive experience in the construction industry. President and COO Michelle O’Neil has been in the real estate finance and investment industry for more than a decade. Together, they lead teams in both the technical and financial aspects of each project. This ensures that clients have a great construction experience and final result thanks to the efficient use of available resources.
The 4945 Washington Street of Roxbury project was a ground-up construction managed by Essex Builders. The work included the construction of a four-story 46-unit apartment building with 30 outdoor parking spaces and 37 basement parking spaces. There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with equivalent baths. All units come furnished with stainless steel large kitchen appliances and washer and dryer units. The use of recessed lighting and oversized windows optimizes natural lighting and increases efficiency. Despite a relatively tight site space, Essex successfully constructed a luxurious residence for modern Boston families.
Cranshaw Construction
2310 Washington Street Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462
Cranshaw Construction is a general contracting and construction management company involved in multi-family residential, assisted living, commercial, and industrial facility construction projects. In its almost four decades in the industry, Cranshaw has completed over 35 million square feet of space in suburban and downtown Boston. The firm’s experience in both residential and industrial spaces has impacted the Boston cityscape and contributes to its beauty. Cranshaw’s approach to each project is grounded on the basic philosophy of thinking like an owner. From this perspective, Cranshaw identifies project specifications, costs, and issues at the outset and devises the most practical and cost-effective solutions.
Knowing that each design and construction project presents unique challenges, Cranshaw uses its team’s collective expertise and experience to identify the best possible way to ensure effective project delivery. Each design conforms with industry standards, matches client expectations, and promotes a healthy environment for users and tenants. A recent multifamily residential project—the Arthaus—is the perfect exemplar of Cranshaw’s creativity and expertise. Located near three major universities and numerous commercial complexes and buildings, the Arthaus is the ideal residence for young professionals in the bustling Allston neighborhood. The project consists of a five-story building and a three-story building for a total of 83 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Included in the design are a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, an art gallery, and both vehicle and bicycle parking. The location and design of the residence and the included amenities match the neighborhood demographic of young professionals and small families. Cranshaw’s ability to understand client needs creates marketable and sustainable structures that fit the Boston lifestyle.
Metric Corporation
55 Henshaw Street, Boston, MA 02135
Established in 1981, Metric Corporation is a Boston-based general contractor with projects in the residential, education, and commercial sectors. Metric distinguishes itself from other builders through the unique perspective of president and CEO Geoffrey S. Caraboolad. As a developer, builder, and manager, Caraboolad provides great insight on each project from inception to completion. His perspective allows the team to anticipate issues and approach challenges with skill and experience. The firm’s commitment to each project regardless of scope and size is evident in Caraboolad’s management and involvement.
Metric’s versatility in its abilities is clear in the scope and range of its projects. The firm partnered with the Fisher House Foundation in building and renovating assisted living structures that may be used for free by military families in distress. These spaces offer much-needed privacy and space. Metric also works with designers in building luxury condominiums, such as the Port 45 condos in South Boston. Built amidst Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Port 45 includes 105 residential units and 109 garage parking spaces. Units have hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize lighting and comfort. Most units have a private terrace, elegant fixtures, modern kitchen appliances, as well as in-unit washers and dryers. Understanding the needs of prospective tenants such as young professionals and small families, each unit provides adequate and comfortable home space while also standing at a prime location that is close to the red line and Boston’s Seaport District.
Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
266 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
Established in 1905, Consigli Construction is the oldest company on this list, which speaks to its strength and stability in the industry. Enduring through wars and economic depressions, the firm has grown from a local business to one of the largest general contractors in the Northeast. It has seven regional offices on the east coast and more than one billion dollars of annual volume in projects. Initially focused on residential design and construction, Consigli has since expanded to projects in academic, corporate, federal, and specialty construction.
Consigli is founded on the principles of hard work, integrity, and pride in craftsmanship. During company expansions, the firm continues to provide exceptional work to its clients and partners. Consigli’s work on the Mosaic on the Riverway condominium is a remarkable testament to its commitment to creating spaces that strengthen communities. Nestled in the vibrant Mission Hill neighborhood, the Mosaic condo offers both luxury and function to its tenants. The building has LEED Silver certification and is designed to fit the lifestyle of modern professionals and families. While Consigli has been in the industry for over a century, it has remained abreast in modern techniques and technologies and continues to provide outstanding service to its clients.
Suffolk Construction Company
65 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Established in 1982, Suffolk Construction is geared to drive progress for its clients, the industry, and the communities it serves. Suffolk team members are talented and skilled, but what sets them apart is their genuine concern for others and the community. For almost four decades, Suffolk has taken on and successfully completed challenging projects that shaped the Boston landscape. It has since expanded to Florida, Texas, and California. Beyond the business of construction, Suffolk also invests in startup firms and innovative technologies that aim to change the industry for the better.
Amidst geographic and project scope expansion, Suffolk maintains its status as a premier builder in Boston and throughout the country. The firm consistently challenges the status quo and overcomes obstacles through innovative and creative means. One remarkable project is the construction of the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences at One Dalton Street. The project included preconstruction and construction of a 65-story mixed-use site with 215 guest rooms and 171 luxury condominiums. To ensure on-time and on-budget delivery, Suffolk prepared an extensively detailed comprehensive construction management plan that also addressed potential challenges and provided optimal solutions. The result is a LEED Silver-accredited building fit for luxurious Bostonian living. It is the tallest residential tower in Boston and embodies the definition of modern luxury living.
Dellbrook | JKS
One Adams Place, 859 Willard Street, Quincy, MA 02169
Dellbrook | JKS is a large Massachusetts-based construction company that provides services throughout New England. Established in 2005, Dellbrook | JKS has become a dynamic player in the industry with projects of various scopes and sizes for both private and public clients. The firm is founded on four core principles: thorough management, in-depth knowledge of market sectors, close relationships with premier subcontractors and suppliers, and state-of-art accounting and project management. Dellbrook | JKS sets high standards for all aspects of a construction or renovation project, which includes planning, design, resource management, documentation, and construction. While one of the youngest firms on this list, it remains competitive in the industry by delivering high-quality and efficient projects. Its wide range of professionals and skilled workers on staff, including LEED AP certified personnel, allows Dellbrook | JKS to provide unique solutions to a wide range of challenges and projects.
Among its most notable multifamily projects is the 257 Thayer Street student housing project in Rhode Island. Situated between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, the Thayer Street apartment building offers great accommodation to students from both schools. The new project included the construction of 95 residential units, 76 basement parking units, and retail space on the first floor of the building. The building has four levels of wood-framed construction over a post-tension Massachusetts-based concrete podium and is a certified LEED silver project. The use of wood frames and earth tones blend with the classic ivy league streetscape in the neighborhood near Brown University. Integrated use of contemporary technologies and techniques ensures sustainability and marketability. The overall design provides a classic look mixed with modern elements. The project showcases Dellbrook | JKS’s ability to address client needs while ensuring sustainability, durability, and efficiency.
NEI General Contracting
27 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368
NEI is a multi-award-winning company that has completed over $2 Billion in quality construction projects since its founding in 1998. It provides general contracting and construction management services for a wide range of residential, commercial, and historic renovation projects across the Eastern United States. Built on the principles of integrity, experience, and diligence, NEI measures success by how well it renders the client’s vision. The firm emphasizes partnership and collaborative communication throughout the planning and construction process to ensure this success. Such commitment is evident in the number of repeat clients, direct referrals, and awards received by the firm.
The Finch Cambridge residence is the largest new multifamily affordable housing development in Cambridge in the last 40 years. As one of the first large-scale PHIUS-certified housing projects in the state, the residential building has sustainability features and family-friendly designs that foster healthy living and community building. Located across the Fresh Pond Reservation, Finch Cambridge has 98 residential units, community spaces, a rooftop terrace, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. The overall construction is clean, comfortable, and functional for its residents. NEI’s focus on supporting and delivering the client’s mission is evident in the outcome and the ongoing experiences of tenants. This project earned NEI the 2020 PHIUS Award for Best Overall Project and the 2020 PHIUS Award for Affordable Winner.
Kaplan Construction
116 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
Established in 1976, Kaplan Construction has maintained the importance of family in its foundation. The business has grown and evolved in project scope, size, and function, yet the importance of relationships stands at the core of every project and leads to its successful completion. Led by husband-and-wife tandem Nathan Peck and Jane Kaplan Peck, the company treats each client like family and each project as its own home or business. Through thorough planning, careful execution, and open communication, Kaplan delivers well-built, cost-effective, and timely projects and creates lasting relationships with clients. This blend of passion and professionalism has contributed to the firm’s success: the firm has been recognized multiple times by organizations and associations. The most recent awards include the 2021 Excellence in Construction – Pyramid Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors National and the 2020 Excellence in Construction – Eagle Award from Associated Builders and Contractors in Massachusetts.
Kaplan’s remarkable skill and dedication are evident in the CALA Powder House project in Somerville. The project involved the adaptive re-use of the decommissioned Powderhouse Community School and made it the hub of a vibrant Somerville neighborhood. Kaplan transformed the 91,000-square-foot school lot to a mix of 48 residential units, including condominiums, market-rate units, artist live-work units, an outdoor amphitheater, and a public park. The twofold purpose of revamping the decommissioned school and creating a modern, smart, and sustainable space was admirably achieved by Kaplan.
