To make the Gibson Point residential development a reality, workers had to remove the old piers and pilings by hand at low tide.
Oh, and it also had to be done carefully between October and February to avoid disturbing the shellfish-growing season.
Gibson Point's dedication to reducing its environmental impact and commitment to community engagement and personal wellness help it stand apart from traditional multifamily offerings in greater Boston. In recognition, the project earned a 2025 CoStar Impact Award for multifamily development of the year in Boston, as judged by a panel of local industry professionals.
Located in the waterfront city of Revere, Massachusetts, north of Boston, the development's 5,700-square-foot living roof is a plant-dotted advocate for the environment, one that is highly visible from heavily trafficked Route 1A. The living roof, one of the largest and steepest on a residential development in New England, acts as an insulator, helps purify the air, absorbs stormwater and combats the heat island effect. Green roof temperatures can be 30 to 40 degrees lower than those of conventional roofs and can reduce citywide ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees, according to the U.S. General Services Administration.
"The roof is lined with a diverse selection of 17 different sedum varieties that thrive in coastal conditions and support a diverse array of pollinators and bird habitats," a spokeswoman for the development said in a statement.
The development's location along the coast made it a challenge to deliver on time.
"Gibson Point transformed a former junkyard with no permeability and a highly degraded shoreline by integrating green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, and a living roof on the residential building," the spokeswoman said. "The project also cleaned the uplands and stabilized the deteriorating shoreline — once littered with old piers, pilings, and vertical sheeting — using vegetated slopes, rain gardens, and sheet pile walls. These efforts not only restored the shoreline but also improved the fishery's habitat by reducing sediment and untreated runoff affecting wetland resource areas."
Nearly 200 steel piles, each 120 feet deep, were installed beneath the building to anchor the foundation.
The preleasing strategy involved placing ads in transit-oriented locations, such as along Route 1A and within subway stations, where potential residents who rely on public transportation may be introduced to the property. In addition to in-person tours, the team hosted virtual tours, according to the firm that submitted the award application.
The city, located on the subway's Blue Line, is best known as the site of the first public beach in the United States and of the annual Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival, a competition that draws about a million visitors.
The development works hand in hand with the area's art community, highlighting the works of various local artists. Residents can enjoy installations and learn about the artists via QR codes displayed near the pieces. This connection to the local arts scene not only beautifies the space but also supports emerging artists, the submission noted.
About the project: The property at 1 Gibson Way in Revere, Massachusetts, offers a mix of 291 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, according to CoStar data. The building's amenities include cold plunge pools; a sauna; a spa treatment and recovery room; an outdoor pool with a sundeck, cabanas and grills; a lounge with views of the Boston skyline; on-site restaurant Mila's; a fitness facility; an indoor/outdoor yoga studio; private waterfront offices for reservation with treadmill desks; private storage lockers; a package room; and on-site management and maintenance. Madeleine Risinger of Greystar is the community property manager.
What the judges said: "Gibson Point ... stands out as an impactful development for several reasons. It introduces much-needed, high-quality multifamily housing to an area with significant growth potential, offering residents modern amenities and easy access to Boston. Its waterfront location enhances the appeal, while the development also helps revitalize the surrounding community, fostering new economic opportunities," said Stephanie Donlin, senior director for Real Estate at Greystar Real Estate Partners. "The project was delivered on time and within budget, overcoming the challenges of its unique waterfront site. Redgate, in collaboration with Aldi Companies, ensured a timely delivery while mitigating risk for the restaurant tenant. With leasing activity outpacing other developments in the area, Gibson Point's success highlights its appeal as a well-rounded, dynamic community. ... Gibson Point sets a new standard for urban waterfront living, positioning it as a model for future residential projects."
They made it happen: The Redgate team behind the project included Damian Szary, principal; Kyle Warwick, principal; Laura Gregoriadis, principal and chief financial officer; Lizbeth Bello, senior vice president; Brian Mueller, vice president; Justin Tierney, senior development manager; Amy Mak, senior accounting and investment associate; and Michael Kenary, vice president. The architect was Amy Korté, president of Arrowstreet, and Sean Sanger, principal at Copley Wolff Design Group, served as the landscape architect. Greystar is the property manager.