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ANDOVER, MA-Continuing to expand its footprint in Massachusetts, a Houston developer is proposing a 272-unit apartment complex here on a site owned by Merrimack College, GlobeSt.com has learned. The Hanover Co. is about to begin the permit approval process, company official David Hall tells GlobeSt.com, adding that his firm expects to meet with residents and town government over the near term to further outline the vision for 175 Haverhill St.

"We like our prospects up there," Hall says of Andover, among suburban Boston's most exclusive communities. The 25-acre parcel is located just off Interstate 495 and less than two miles to the north of Downtown Andover. Due to the preliminary nature of the development, which is being called the Lodge at Andover, Hanover officials could not provide any details regarding the project cost. The architect is a Houston firm, Wallace Garcia Wilson that Hanover has employed for other developments throughout the country.

Hanover is positioning the venture as a so-called 40B development, Hall reports, referring to a state law that requires communities to allow for multifamily construction if less than 10% of the local housing stock is deemed affordable. Andover is nearing that level of affordability following construction of other residential units in the town. Hall says his firm is "monitoring" the numbers, but says it presently appears that the 40B provision remains in play for Andover and could be used by the company. Hanover took a similar approach to gain approvals for a 364-unit complex in nearby Tewksbury.