NorthPoint Construction Begins In Cambridge After Long Delay

Construction begins Wednesday on a residential tower in Cambridge near Lechmere Station, part of the long-delayed NorthPoint development that covers 45 acres at a former rail yard where Cambridge, Somerville and Charleston meet.

The $2 billion project stalled in 2007, but picks up with the groundbreaking for a 20-story building with 355 apartments. The project will help make way for the MBTA's Green Line extension planned for Somerville.

Tom O'Brien, lead developer at the HYM Investment Group behind the development, says future tenants will be attracted to the Cambridge lifestyle.

"It's a classic, Cambridge entrepreneur-type who's going to live in this building," O'Brien said.

The tower will not be completed for two years and the entire site could take a decade. In addition to housing, the development will be home to the new corporate headquarters for the Cambridge company EF Education First.