These new developments are big and have earned the tag of “communities” because each in its way is creating a new residential enclave in a location that previously was commercial or industrial.

1. Avalon North Station

Units: 503

Delivery:  Q4 ‘17

Address: One Nashua St

Developer: AvalonBay Communities

Architect: CBT Architects

What was once a parking lot behind the TD Garden is being replaced by a 38-story glass-clad tower. The neighborhood that once was cut off from the rest of downtown by the elevated Central Artery was dominated by light industry, small shops and the North Station T-stop. The Big Dig demolished the dark dust-laden highway, letting in the sun and connecting the neighborhood to the rest of the city. Avalon North Station will have a two-story public arcade that creates new pedestrian access through downtown and the tower itself will become a dramatic new entry to Boston.

2. AVA Theater District

Units: 398

Delivery: Q4 ‘15

Address: 45 Stuart St

Developer: AvalonBay Communities

Architect: CBT Architects

This site also was once a parking lot in an area where the Theater District co-existed with the old Combat Zone, an adult entertainment district. AVA Theater District features two towers—28 stories and 30 stories—and a five-story glass curtain that will act as a pedestrian walkway connecting Stuart and LaGrange streets. Having all these new residents will bring more life into a neighborhood that's been going through a long, slow reorientation to become a more integral part of downtown.

3. Zinc

Units: 392

Delivery: Q3 '15

Address: 22 Water St, Cambridge

Developer: Monogram Residential Trust, Wood Partrners

Architect: Symmes Maini & McKee

Railroad cars for the B&M line once called this North Point site home. But since it’s just a few steps from where the new Lechmere T-stop will be and an easy walk to Kendall Square, developing housing here is now a natural. Zinc will offer the must-have amenities: balconies, a fitness center with yoga studio, entertainment and media room, high-end lobby with genius bar, and large garden terrace with fire pit, barbecue and pavilion. Even better: great views of the downtown Boston skyline.

4. Troy

Units: 378

Delivery:  Q2 ‘15

Address: 55 Traveler St

Developer: Gerding Edlen, Normandy Real Estate Partners

Architect: ADD Inc/Stantec

This corner of the now trendy South End is just making the switch from light industrial and offices to residential mixed-use. As it changes, The Troy at 275 Albany St is bringing a new level of luxury living—mostly in one-bedroom apartments—to the block. Building features include: cabanas that open out onto an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace with fire pits and barbecues, a game room with a billiards table, a private yoga room and a fitness center.

5. Pier 4

Units: 357

Delivery: Q2 '15

Address: 142 Northern Ave

Developer: The Hanover Co

Architect: ADD Inc/Stantec

This is the first new rental apartment building at Boston Harbor to go up right on the water and on Pier 4, the longtime home of Anthony Athanas’ classic fish restaurant. The new Pier 4 has an L shape to maximize exposure to the harbor. Included are a fitness center, third-floor sundeck with outdoor pool, mini-theater, business center and underground parking. It’s clad in pre-cast concrete panels that allowed for relatively fast construction because unlike brick or metal panels, it doesn't require a multi-layered backup system.

6. Twenty 20

Units: 355

Delivery: Q3 ‘15

Address: 20 Child St, Cambridge

Developer: Canyon Capital Realty Advisers/HYM Investment Group

Architect: CBT Architects

This 20-story tower is seen as a linchpin that will go a long way to integrate the former 45-acre rail yard with the rest of East Cambridge. It’s part of a massive redevelopment project that is permitted for 5M SF: 2,800 residences, and 2.2M SF of commercial space including offices and labs and recreational uses. On tap at Twenty 20: nearly 9k SF of retail and a luxury building with all the trimmings including half-court basketball, media and gathering rooms, a conference room, roof deck, security, garage and bicycle parking, and 24/7 concierge service.