Capstone Communities develops affordable, mixed-income, market-rate, and historic apartment communities across eastern and central Massachusetts. It creates housing for families and households across income levels through adaptive reuse, new construction, preservation, and community-focused partnerships.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
| Project | Overall | Structure & systems | Management & living |
|---|---|---|---|
| McElwain School ApartmentsBridgewater57 units | 7.3/ 10 | —/ 10 | 7.2/ 10 |
RoomChoice provides the largest published review base, 14 reviews, at 4.0/5, which converts to 7.0 under the specified curve. Google Reviews/Maps is directionally consistent at 4.1/5 from 10 reviews, while the sampled commentary adds modest support for management and appearance but does not establish recurring serious failures. | Not found in sources: Limited direct resident evidence · No published maintenance complaints identified | ||
no notes returned no links returned | The available reviews describe management positively: one reviewer said the property manager was “always helpful,” while another praised the manager’s patience and said she “goes above and beyond.” A separate review identified a practical safety/amenity concern—“Needs more lighting at night” at the dog park—and another applicant described the manager’s attitude as “very unprofessional and cold”; these are individual reports rather than recurring themes. | ||
| 22-24 Clary Street ApartmentsInman Square, Cambridge6 units | 6.3/ 10 | —/ 10 | 5.8/ 10 |
Point2Homes is the only located published building rating: 3.6/5 from four resident reviews, converting to 5.8/10 under the requested curve. Because the review base is below ten, the result remains within one point of 6.5; the written comments are mostly positive but include one mixed maintenance comment, with no recurring or severe complaint established. | Not found in sources: No published plumbing feedback · No published leak feedback · No published electrical feedback · No published lift feedback · No published waterproofing feedback | Not found in sources: No published staff rating · No published security complaints | |
The published material describes a 2019 redevelopment and reports renovated kitchens and baths, hardwood floors, central HVAC, and controlled access; it does not publish resident engineering complaints or system-specific scores. One resident called the building “very well maintained,” while another said it “seems neglected sometimes” with “the occasional wave of updates and maintenance help,” so the available structural evidence is limited and mixed on upkeep rather than documenting a specific physical failure. | Daily-life reviews are mostly favorable: residents wrote “Great place,” “Love my Apartment,” and “Excellent quality and location,” while the listing describes in-unit laundry, central HVAC, controlled access, and proximity to Inman Square. The main operational criticism was that the “building seems neglected sometimes” and has an “occasional wave of updates and maintenance help”; another resident called street parking a “NIGHTMARE,” which is a location issue rather than a building-system failure. | ||
| 12-14 Second Street ApartmentsKendall Square, Cambridge6 units | 6.0/ 10 | 5.9/ 10 RentCafe 3/5 · 1 review · rentcafe.com RentCafe publishes 3/5 from 1 review. Adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall, and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint (more strongly the fewer the reviews), that gives 5.9. | 6.3/ 10 RentCafe 3/5, 1/5, 4/5, 4/5, 5/5, 3/5 · 1 review · rentcafe.com Combined from 6 published figures on 1 platform, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 6.3. |
RentCafe’s building-level 3/5 rating from one resident review is the anchor; because the review base is below 10, the result is kept within one point of 6.5 rather than using the raw conversion of 4. Point2Homes shows a near-identical 3.2/5 building rating from one review, so there is no material platform disagreement to adjust for; no recurring themes were established. | |||
no notes returned no links returned | The only located resident review describes the apartment as “nice” and the location as “great,” and specifically notes in-unit laundry. It also says there “arent really any amenities” and that maintenance “could be a little better”; RentCafe publishes category scores of 1/5 for amenities, 3/5 for maintenance, 4/5 for staff and 5/5 for location. | ||
| Frost TerracePorter Square, Cambridge40 units | 5.6/ 10 | —/ 10 | 5.5/ 10 |
LocalityBiz publishes a building-specific 3/5 aggregate based on 2 reviews, but it is below the 10-review threshold, so the score is kept within one point of the prescribed 6.5 low-evidence level. The only written review read was negative, while official and project sources describe amenities and systems but do not provide independent resident ratings. | Not found in sources: No recurring physical complaints found · No published leak reports found · No published HVAC complaints found · No published electrical complaints found | Not found in sources: Limited resident-review evidence | |
The only resident review read reported “paper thin” walls, which is a negative observation about sound separation, but it did not allege a structural failure. Public project documentation describes restored historic buildings, fire-resistance upgrades, new sprinkler systems, energy-efficient appliances, and an elevator; these are project descriptions rather than resident ratings or post-occupancy reviews. | The sole written review described a “horrid experience,” saying that “the neighbors were rude and nosy,” the walls were “paper thin,” and it was “not a community.” Separately, published project material describes a community room, landscaped grounds, nearby transit and retail, and reports that the property has remained fully occupied; these are amenities and occupancy statements, not independent resident ratings. | ||
| Port LandingThe Port/Kendall Square, Cambridge20 units | 5.5/ 10 | —/ 10 | 5.5/ 10 |
LocalityBiz is the only located published aggregate and reports 1.5/5 from 2 reviews; because the review base is below 10, the score is kept within one point of the 6.5 low-review anchor convention. The single written review read raises a management concern, but it is not recurring and therefore does not produce a separate commentary adjustment. Evidence is sparse and current management status is uncertain because the review is from 2023 while the research date is October 11, 2026. | Not found in sources: No published infrastructure complaints · No published leak reports · No published HVAC complaints · No published plumbing complaints · No published electrical complaints | Not found in sources: Limited review coverage · No recurring praise documented | |
no notes returned no links returned | The only written review read was unfavorable to the day-to-day management experience: the reviewer described the manager as “dismissive,” said the assistant and manager gave conflicting information, and reported that both were “too busy” to respond promptly. The property’s own site advertises proximity to the Red Line, garage parking, indoor bike storage and an elevator, but those are amenities claims rather than resident ratings. |
Co-developed Port Landing and Frost Terrace, two 100% affordable housing communities in Cambridge.
Works with Capstone on the Baldwinville School Apartments redevelopment.
Partners with Capstone, Hope Real Estate and MPZ on the acquisition and future affordable-housing designation of the Roseland and Frost properties.
Provided construction-loan and Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity financing for Frost Terrace.
Manages Station Lofts, McElwain School Apartments, Frost Terrace Apartments and Port Landing.
Provided financing support for Baldwinville School Apartments.
Provided financing support for Baldwinville School Apartments.
Rockland Trust today announced it provided $17.7 million in financing to local developers Capstone Communities LLC and Hope Real Estate Enterprises LLC.
MPZ is working in partnership with Capstone Communities LLC, leveraging their past collaborations and experience into the Baldwinville project.
Capstone Communities LLC (Capstone), Hope Real Estate Enterprises (HRE), and MPZ Development LLC (MPZ), and in partnership with the City of Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust announced the acquisition of the Roseland and Frost Properties located at 20 Roseland St., 22 Roseland St., 28 Roseland St., 1 Frost St., 3 Frost St., and 5 Frost St.
The financial package includes an $8.7 million construction loan and $9 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity.
Station Lofts in Brockton, The McElwain School Apartments in Bridgewater, Frost Terrace in Cambridge, and Port Landing in Cambridge are now under management by Peabody Properties.
MassHousing is pleased to be part of this transformative project with a talented development team and very strong support from the Town of Templeton that will create 54 brand new rental homes for residents with a range of incomes.
Our partners at Capstone Communities and MPZ Development share in those values and have worked diligently to develop an environment where increased access to affordable housing empowers all individuals and families to reach their full potential.
| none found |
| United States | active 6 projects tracked |
| Residential, for rent | 6 of 6 |
We see the opportunities in this other sector, but we certainly haven’t closed the door on student housing.Business Alabama 2022https://businessalabama.com/capstone-graduates-from-college-work/
As a team, we spent the last 18 months developing Capstone’s mission statement and core values (“The Capstone Pillars”).Capstone Communities 2023-03-02https://www.capstone-communities.com/developing-a-mission-statement-doesnt-happen-overnight/
Mr. Vawter studied business at Alexander City Community College.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CAPSTONE COMMUNITIES' DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, PLEASE CONTACT JOHN VAWTER AT (205) 414-6424 OR JVAWTER@CAPSTONEMAIL.COM
The three principals of Capstone Communities, Rob Howland, John Vawter and Ben Walker, were key personnel in Capstone Development.
### Principal - [Capstone Communities](https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-communities) (Current) Jan 2012 - Present (14 years and 8 months)
Prior to taking on his current role, John Vawter functioned as executive vice president of Capstone Development, Corp. Mr. Vawter studied business at Alexander City Community College. He later spent three years as a development associate at PolarBek.
“We see the opportunities in this other sector, but we certainly haven’t closed the door on student housing,” Acken says.
In January 2012, following the restructuring of The Capstone Companies, John Vawter became one of the three principals of Capstone Communities, LLC.
John is one of the founding members of Capstone, with over 28 years’ experience in student housing development.
John is one of the founding members of Capstone, with over 28 years’ experience in student housing development.
### John Vawter Principal John is one of the founding members of Capstone, with over 28 years’ experience in student housing development.
Melanie has been such an important part of the Capstone family over the past 20+ years.Capstone Communities 2026-01-13https://www.linkedin.com/posts/capstone-communities_melanie-thank-you-for-everything-you-do-activity-7416847662978850818-MUm7
The three principals of Capstone Communities, Rob Howland, John Vawter and Ben Walker, were key personnel in Capstone Development.
He supervised the accounting department for Capstone Properties before joining the development division of the company in 1995.
“Melanie has been such an important part of the Capstone family over the past 20+ years.”
In January 2012, following the restructuring of The Capstone Companies, Rob Howland became one of the three principals of Capstone Communities, LLC.
In January 2012, following the restructuring of The Capstone Companies, Rob Howland became one of the three principals of Capstone Communities, LLC.
In 2006, Rob was promoted to Chief Operating Officer where he was responsible for such matters as accounting, insurance, finance, treasury functions, asset disposition, and other significant functions.
### Rob Howland Principal Rob began his career with Capstone in 1993.
Seeing the finished product is fantastic.Capstone Communities 2022-04-28https://www.capstone-communities.com/capstone-cottages-makes-debut-in-daytona/
Ben joined Capstone in 1998 after graduating from The University of Alabama.
The three principals of Capstone Communities, Rob Howland, John Vawter and Ben Walker, were key personnel in Capstone Development.
In July 2010 Ben was promoted to President of Capstone Properties – the management and leasing division for Capstone.
After the ceremony, Ben Walker, a Capstone principal, said the community is leasing well. “Seeing the finished product is fantastic.”
In January 2012, following the restructuring of The Capstone Companies, Ben Walker became one of the three principals of Capstone Communities, LLC.
In January 2012, following the restructuring of The Capstone Companies, Ben Walker became one of the three principals of Capstone Communities, LLC.
Ben served in various roles with the company throughout his career including as a Development Manager and Senior Vice President of the Cottage Division.
### Ben Walker Principal Ben joined Capstone in 1998 after graduating from The University of Alabama.
Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Finance from Auburn University at Montgomery and two masters degrees in 1998 and 1999 both from Auburn University in Auburn, AL — a Masters in Building Science and a Masters in Community Planning.
### Amanda Wallis Executive Vice President – Development Amanda came to Capstone in January 2008 as a Senior Vice President for the Cottage Division of Capstone Development Corp.
### EVP - [Capstone Communities](https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-communities) (Current) Feb 2008 - Present (18 years and 7 months)
Amanda came to Capstone in January 2008 as a Senior Vice President for the Cottage Division of Capstone Development Corp.
Since 2012 Amanda has been an Executive Vice President for C3 continuing her role in development for off-campus new construction projects.
Amanda is responsible for all aspects of the development program from acquisition, pre-development due diligence, design, financial analysis and construction through project delivery and disposition.
Since 2012 Amanda has been an Executive Vice President for C3 continuing her role in development for off-campus new construction projects including both Cottage-style developments and high-density, mixed-use developments.
### Amanda Wallis Executive Vice President – Development Amanda came to Capstone in January 2008 as a Senior Vice President for the Cottage Division of Capstone Development Corp.
Just like with student housing, there was a missing middle in multifamily that wasn’t being filled.Business Alabama 2022-09-02https://businessalabama.com/capstone-graduates-from-college-work/
We’re just always looking for the next opportunity. How can we innovate? What needs are not being filled? And then go in that direction.Business Alabama 2022-09-02https://businessalabama.com/capstone-graduates-from-college-work/
John earned his bachelor’s degree from Hampton Sydney, his JD from The University of South Carolina School of Law and his MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Business at Vanderbilt University.
### John Acken Executive Vice President – Development John joined Capstone in 2008 serving as a Senior Vice President in the Cottage Division.
John joined Capstone in 2008 serving as a Senior Vice President in the Cottage Division.
“Just like with student housing, there was a missing middle in multifamily that wasn’t being filled. You could either buy a home, or you could rent an apartment. We saw an opportunity between those two.”
“We’re just always looking for the next opportunity. How can we innovate? What needs are not being filled? And then go in that direction.”
Since Capstone Collegiate Communities began in 2012, John has continued his responsibilities for all aspects of development.
John has continued his responsibilities for all aspects of development from market identification, site acquisition, and financial modeling, through construction and lease up as Executive Vice President.
Capstone Communities Executive Vice President of Development John Acken says.
### John Acken Executive Vice President – Development John joined Capstone in 2008 serving as a Senior Vice President in the Cottage Division.
### BA, Accounting at The University of Alabama 1984 - 1989
### Tom Fitts Chief Financial Officer Tom joined Capstone Development in 2002 as Controller.
### CFO - Capstone Communities / CBI Construction Services (Current) Jun 2013 - Present (13 years and 3 months)
### BA, Accounting at The University of Alabama 1984 - 1989
In 2013 Tom moved into the CFO roll serving Capstone Collegiate Communities, Capstone Properties, and CBI Construction Services.
In 2013 Tom moved into the CFO roll serving Capstone Collegiate Communities, Capstone Properties, and CBI Construction Services with the main focus on accounting, reporting, and corporate operations.
Tom joined Capstone Development in 2002 as Controller. In 2005 he helped start Capstone’s in-house construction division, CBI Construction Services with an emphasis on accounting and corporate operations.
### Tom Fitts Chief Financial Officer Tom joined Capstone Development in 2002 as Controller.
0 undated completions and 0 boundary-uncertain completions are retained but excluded from figures.
| Project | Location | Type | Units | Floors | Area | Cost | Payment plan | Launched | Construction start | Original target | Handover | Delay | Confidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McElwain School Apartments | Bridgewater, United States | residential for rent | 571 | — | — | USD 28.9m other | — | 2020 | 10/21/2020 | Jan 2022 – Dec 2022 | Sep 2023 | +14.5 mo (+9.0 to +20.0) | estimated | completed |
| Frost Terrace | Cambridge, United States Porter Square | residential for rent | 401 | — | 49,000 sq ft | USD 16.5m other | — | 2018 | July 25, 2018 | May 2020 – Aug 2020 | Nov 2021 | +16.5 mo (+15.0 to +18.0) | estimated | completed |
| 28-34 Portsmouth Street | Cambridge, United States Kendall Square | residential for rent | 41 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Jan 2020 – Dec 2020 | — | not scorable | completed |
| 22-24 Clary Street Apartments | Cambridge, United States Inman Square | residential for rent | 61 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Jan 2019 – Dec 2019 | — | not scorable | completed |
| 12-14 Second Street Apartments | Cambridge, United States Kendall Square | residential for rent | 61 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Jan 2017 – Dec 2017 | — | not scorable | completed |
| Port Landing | Cambridge, United States The Port/Kendall Square | residential for rent | 201 | — | 31,100 sq ft | USD 9m other | — | 2015 | September 02, 2015 | Jan 2016 – Dec 2016 | Nov 2016 | +4.5 mo (−1.0 to +10.0) | sourced | completed |
| Coverage | active |
| Tracked since | October 10, 2026 |
| Last checked | October 11, 2026 this month |
| Profile last researched | October 11, 2026 |
| Claim |