299 Broadway

Mark Development, Beacon Communities, and RISE Together are collaborating to transform 299 Broadway in Somerville's Winter Hill neighborhood into a forward-thinking, mixed-use development. This Chapter 40B initiative aims to blend affordability, sustainability, and community engagement.

Project Overview

• Address: 299 Broadway, Somerville, MA

• Status: Approved (February 2023)

• Estimated Completion: TBD

• Total Units: 288 rental apartments

• Retail Space: 13,640 SF

• Civic Plaza & Park: 15,000 SF

• Parking: None (car-free design)

• Sustainability: Passive House-certifiable, Net Zero Ready

This development replaces a long-vacant Star Market site, revitalizing a key area in Winter Hill with a focus on community and environmental responsibility. 

Design & Sustainability

Utile Architecture & Planning leads the architectural design, emphasizing:

• Contextual Integration: Building massing and façades reflect the neighborhood's historical character.

• Sustainability: Designed to meet PHIUS certification standards, aligning with Somerville’s sustainability goals.

• Public Connectivity: A mid-block mews provides pedestrian access and community interaction spaces.

Future Green Studio is responsible for landscape architecture, creating:

• Civic Pocket Plaza: A public gathering space along Broadway.

• Neighborhood Pocket Park: A green space on Sewall Street, enhancing urban ecology. 

Development Team

• Mark Development: A Newton-based firm known for transit-oriented, mixed-use projects.

• Beacon Communities: A Boston-based developer specializing in affordable housing, managing over 18,000 units across the Northeast.

• RISE Together: A minority-owned development firm led by Herby Duverné, focusing on community-first urban redevelopment. 

Market Context

According to CoStar, the U.S. multifamily market has seen strong demand, with 176,000 units absorbed in the third quarter of 2024, indicating a robust net change in occupancy. 

Nearby Local Gems

• Winter Hill Brewing Company: A local brewery offering craft beers and a cozy atmosphere.

• Leone’s Sub and Pizza: A neighborhood staple known for its Italian subs and pizza.

• La Brasa: A restaurant offering wood-fired dishes with global influences.

• Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant: Serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a vibrant setting.

• Winter Hill Bakery: An iconic bakery with a history spanning decades, offering a variety of baked goods. 

Stay Tuned

Stay informed about the progress of 299 Broadway and other transformative projects in Somerville. If you're involved in this development and wish to contribute further details, please reach out to us.