Trammell Crow proposes 752‑unit redevelopment at former Armstrong site; planning board continues review

Trammell Crow Residential and its consultants presented a proposal to redevelop the former Armstrong factory site at 10 Plains Street into a 752‑unit multifamily complex during the Braintree Planning Board public hearing on Aug. 12.

The applicant, represented by attorney Frank Marinelli, said the project is a by‑right multifamily development under the town’s MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District. Marinelli described the plan as a two‑phase project with 427 units in phase one across five four‑story buildings and 325 units in phase two in a single four‑story building with an integrated garage. "The proposal is by right under zoning," Marinelli told the board. He and the development team said the project would preserve and add open space, treat on‑site stormwater and connect new trails to the existing river boardwalk.

The nut graf: The proposal would replace industrial structures and impervious surfaces with housing, landscaping, public walking access and stormwater controls. Developers say the project will create significant tax revenue and public amenities; residents and civic groups raised concerns about traffic, municipal services, school impacts and how public use of the riverwalk will be preserved.

The development team described technical details in separate presentations. Architect Steve Shetler said buildings are designed as…