Early‑stage site work is underway for Northeastern University's new 23‑story mixed‑use tower at 840 Columbus Ave., a project that not only advances Boston's long‑term housing strategy but also continues the decades‑long revitalization of the Roxbury/Fenway corridor; a neighborhood once defined by rail yards and industrial parcels before evolving into one of the city's most active academic districts. Once completed, the tower will introduce 800 new student beds along with academic and community space, replacing 500 aging beds in Fenway and helping fulfill Northeastern's longstanding commitment to deliver 1,000 net new student beds to the City of Boston. Remediation began in August, echoing the site's history of transformation and reinvestment, with full vertical construction expected to follow once final permits are secured. With an anticipated 2028 completion, the development is poised to ease pressure on the surrounding housing market while modernizing Northeastern's residential footprint and contributing to the continued renewal of this historically significant urban corridor. 

For the first portion executing the deep foundation work of this high‑rise structure, Northeastern University officials selected JF White, a contractor known throughout New England for its expertise in complex urban infrastructure and foundation systems. With more than a century of experience and a portfolio that includes major transportation, marine, and heavy civil projects, JF White brings the technical precision and logistical discipline required for a dense Boston jobsite. Their familiarity with the city's challenging subsurface conditions and their reputation for delivering, even when faced with tight timelines, made them the ideal partner for this phase of the project. 

JF White's deep foundation operations are supported by a purpose‑built fleet of ICE® equipment, selected to meet the site's tight working footprint and the structural demands of a 23‑story tower. Central to this effort is the ICE® I‑46v2 diesel impact hammer, a high‑efficiency unit known for its consistent stroke energy and ability to maintain driving performance even as soil resistance increases. This stage demands precise energy transfer and tightly monitored blow counts to confirm capacity, especially in Boston's layered glacial soils where end‑bearing and skin‑friction behavior can vary significantly. With its free-fall ram and fuel-metered combustion cycle delivering dependable impact energy, the I‑46v2 is perfectly suited for driving the long steel sections and deep foundation elements needed for a tower of this scale. 

Working alongside the diesel hammer are the ICE® 28 and ICE® 44 vibratory pile drivers, each chosen for its ability to handle different phases of pile installation. The ICE® 28 offers agile, mid‑range driving power ideal for initial seating and moderate depths, while the heavy‑duty ICE® 44 delivers the amplitude and centrifugal force needed to advance piles through Boston's dense glacial soils. These vibratory units were used to install HP‑14 x 102 H‑beams, initially 90 feet long and later spliced to lengths between 180 and 219 feet after being shipped by rail to Rhode Island and trucked to the site. Additionally, these hammers are paired with Hydrauli‑Flex™ hoses, which enable stable hydraulic flow, reduce pressure loss, and limit heat buildup during extended operating cycles. Their reinforced construction enhances operator safety and minimizes the risk of hose whip or fatigue failure--critical advantages when working long hours in a dense urban corridor where reliability and control are paramount. 

Together, this integrated equipment suite enables JF White to support high production rates while keeping vibration levels controlled and predictable, protecting nearby residences, academic buildings, and sensitive transit infrastructure. 

As the foundation phase continues to advance, the surrounding community stands to benefit from the long‑term stability and investment this project brings, including expanded housing options, eased neighborhood pressures, and a refreshed, modern campus footprint. International Construction Equipment is proud to support JF White as they bring precision, professionalism, and deep regional expertise to one of Boston's most impactful university developments. Their work beneath the surface will anchor the next generation of Northeastern students, and ICE® is grateful to contribute to a project that helps the city continue to grow upward with confidence. 

Learn more about the ICE® I-46 and the full line of ICE® Vibratory Hammers

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Media Contact-        
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA     
Vice President   
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc     
The Hose Company   
Office - 704-821-8200  
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com