Why was MCI-Concord closed? 

The prison was closed due to declining inmate populations and to enhance operational efficiency. Its closure provides an opportunity to redevelop the site for non-correctional uses that benefit Concord and the surrounding region. 

Who manages/owns the property now? 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts retains ownership of the property through The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). Concord does not own the land but plays an advisory role in shaping its future use. 

What is DCAMM’s role?

DCAMM owns the former prison property on behalf of the Commonwealth and will eventually oversee the competitive process to select a developer. The Town’s planning effort will help shape zoning, infrastructure needs, and expectations for redevelopment before DCAMM announces the site as available for development proposals.

How large is the property?

The study area includes approximately 83 acres. About 29 acres are expected to remain reserved for wetlands, agriculture, and cemetery use, leaving roughly 54 acres potentially available for redevelopment. This includes the area of the prison and prison parking lot across Commonwealth Avenue, as well as the 12.8 acres lot next to the prison that is owned by the Concord Housing Development Corporation.

What is the MCI-Concord Master Plan and Rezoning Project?

The Town of Concord is creating a long-term master plan and new zoning for the former Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Concord (MCI-Concord) and the adjacent Junction Village parcel. The property, which is owned by the Commonwealth, is expected to be transferred to a private developer for redevelopment in the coming years through a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) process.

Who is leading the Master Plan and Rezoning Project?

The Town of Concord’s Community Development Department’s Planning Division will work with a dedicated steering committee appointed by the Select Board, in partnership with DCAMM, and supported by a consultant team. The consultant team that will be working on the project is Stantec in partnership with urban design team, Speck Dempsey, and Community Scale.

Why is the Town doing this planning now?

The State closed the MCI-Concord prison facility in 2024 and authorized the sale of the land for redevelopment. This is a rare opportunity to shape more than 50 acres of land near West Concord’s village center. The Town wants to define a shared vision for the site—rather than reacting to a developer proposal to the State—so that redevelopment reflects Concord’s community values and long-term goals. This process can be accomplished through the adoption of new zoning by the Town.

What will the Master Plan look like?

The master plan will show how the site could look when redeveloped—conceptual street layouts, open spaces, buildings, and general design character. It is not a final development proposal but instead a shared community vision that informs zoning and future developer proposals. The exact boundaries of the site, access, and circulation may be affected by MassDOT plans for the rotary and Route 2 so the plan must be flexible enough to adapt to changes in the site based on the MassDOT final plans.

What is the project timeline?

Key milestones include:

• Kickoff: April 2026

• Draft Illustrative Plan: July 2026

• Final Planning and Proposed Zoning: November 2026

• Zoning brought to Special Town Meeting: Winter 2027

If zoning is adopted, DCAMM will be able to use the Town’s framework when issuing a developer RFP.

How long will this redevelopment take? 

Redevelopment is a multi-year process, and the soonest we could see any construction on the site is 2028. 

What kinds of uses could be included on the site?

The Town anticipates a mix of uses, which may include:

• Housing (including a mix of market rate and affordable units)

• Commercial/office space

• Public or municipal facilities

• Open space and river access

• Pedestrian, bicycle, and transportation connections

Final uses will be refined during the master planning process based on community feedback, technical analysis, and coordination with the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM).

What types of development are not being considered? 

Nothing is explicitly off the table, but we hope that whatever is eventually built will align with Concord’s character and values. 

Will the prison buildings be reused?

Some existing buildings may have adaptive reuse potential, and others may be removed depending on condition, feasibility, and community goals. Historic context and preservation opportunities will be evaluated during the master planning process and development of the new zoning.

How will the community be involved?

Public engagement is a major component of the project. Residents will have opportunities to:

• Attend public meetings, workshops, or forums

• Participate in surveys

• Review and comment on plan drafts

• Engage in neighborhood-focused sessions

Meeting materials, updates, and surveys will be available on the project website.

How will community input shape the redevelopment? 

Community feedback will help identify priorities such as recreation uses, housing needs, open space preservation, traffic improvements, or commercial opportunities. This input will guide zoning changes and development plans.

Is there a plan to address concerns about traffic and circulation near Route 2? 

Yes. The plan will look closely at transportation connections, internal circulation, bicycle and pedestrian routes, and potential MassDOT changes to Route 2 and the Concord Rotary. This will be coordinated with ongoing State transportation planning efforts already underway.

How can I stay informed?

• Visit the Town’s MCI-Concord project webpage

• Sign up for email updates

• General inquiries: mciconcordmp@concordma.gov or Concord Planning Division at 978-318-3290.

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Will sustainability be part of the redevelopment? 

The Town aspires to incorporate green building practices, renewable energy solutions, and climate-resilient designs to align with state decarbonization goals wherever possible and economically feasible.  

What environmental studies are being conducted? 

DCAMM has commissioned environmental site assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with permitting requirements before development begins.

Who owns the property now? 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts retains ownership of the property through DCAMM. Concord does not own the land but plays an advisory role in shaping its future use. 

How is this project being funded? 

The State has earmarked $250,000 for the Town for MCI Concord planning efforts that must be spent by June 30, 2026. Additionally, 2025 Annual Town Meeting approved an appropriation of $250,000 and the Town Manager has allocated ARPA Funds for the planning efforts.

Will Concord purchase any part of the property? 

Concord is actively exploring acquisition of the wastewater treatment plant at MCI Concord to meet Town needs, but does not plan to purchase the entire site at this time. 

How does this project relate to the Wastewater Treatment Facility?

The MCI-Concord site has the potential to augment the Town’s existing Wastewater Treatment options by taking on the ownership and management of the existing Wastewater Treatment Facility located there. Additional buffering and space needs for the facility will also be evaluated as part of the Master Plan.

Who decides what gets built? 

While DCAMM controls property disposition (sale/lease), Concord has significant influence through zoning regulations and community engagement to shape what is ultimately developed. Concord will have influence, but we will not have control, and we currently expect DCAMM to contract directly with developers. 

Where can I find updates about this project? 

You already found it! We endeavor to keep the webpage up to date, and you can send general inquires to mciconcordmp@concordma.gov or Concord Planning Division at 978-318-3290.