October 27, 2026 |City of Lynn, Infrastructure, MBTA, News, Transportation

MBTA Issues RFQ for Development of Garage

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From the City of Lynn: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the long-awaited redevelopment of the MBTA garage.

The RFQ is stage 1 of a two-part procurement process in which firms submit their background and qualifications to enter into a joint redevelopment opportunity for the garage, which sits on a 3.6-acre site on the corner of Broad and Market streets.

Stage 2 will consist of the MBTA issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified respondents to participate in a full proposal for the garage redevelopment.

The RFQ notes the City’s desire to “revitalize its downtown, drive housing production and economic development, and support increased transit ridership.”

The City has maintained the desire for the redevelopment of the garage to maintain a portion of public parking while repurposing the rest of the property for transit-oriented development. The RFQ notes that the MBTA is working on a regional rail plan that will modernize and shift the system from a traditional commuter rail model to more flexible and frequent service.

“We are pleased to see this process moving forward,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “This property represents a critical opportunity for meaningful redevelopment that supports the commuter rail and our downtown and is consistent with the vision for regional rail and improves transit across the region. We look forward to working with the MBTA as they strive maximize the use of this important site.”

In the RFQ the MBTA defines transit-oriented development as a “public-private partnership where a transit agency collaborates with private developers to build dense, walkable, and mixed-use spaces on or adjacent to transit properties.”

The City’s priorities for the site as listed in the RFQ include:

• Creating a dynamic hub that integrates residential, commercial, and transit use
• Attracting a range of businesses and amenities to serve residents, workers, and visitors
• Developing housing that supports a variety of household types and income levels and contributes to Lynn’s housing stock
• Enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and improving public infrastructure to ensure accessibility and sustainability
• Inclusionary zoning with 10 percent of units at 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI)

“The garage site presents a unique opportunity as we continue to see development happen in our downtown and along the waterfront.” said EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Danya Smith. “We look forward to continue working with the MBTA to position the site for redevelopment that creates new housing, preserves public parking and activates the area with ground-floor commercial uses.”

The City has committed to working with the MBTA to develop a parking strategy that meets the needs of all stakeholders, exploring funding sources to help mitigate the cost of creating public parking spaces, and an expedited permitting process.

“This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a core asset in downtown Lynn into a vibrant, modern transit hub,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton. “By working closely with the MBTA, local stakeholders and community leaders, we are ensuring this redevelopment maximizes the benefits for our residents, supports economic growth, and enhances our regional transit system for decades to come.”

The 5-story MBTA Garage opened in 1992 with two sections separated by an outdoor atrium. Of the 948 parking spaces, approximately 350 are currently available for use. As part of the redevelopment process the MBTA is prepared to facilitate the deconstruction/demolition of the garage.

“The redevelopment of the MBTA garage is an important opportunity to shape the future of downtown Lynn,” said Rep. Dan Cahill. “By combining transit-oriented development, new housing options, ground-floor businesses, and accessible public parking, we can support economic growth while making our downtown more vibrant and connected. I look forward to continuing to work with our local leaders and the MBTA to help make this vision a reality.”