The Hamilton Company submits proposed zoning amendment to the city of Somerville that would enable construction of new housing in Union Sq.

Boston, MA The Hamilton Company is seeking a zoning map amendment for property in Union Sq., to enable construction of new apartment housing that would help address the region’s acute housing shortage.

Union Square One Development, LLC, a wholly owned affiliate of The Hamilton Company and its partners, submitted the proposed zoning map amendment on February 10^th for a site located within the city’s Commercial Core 5 (CC5) district. The property is in Union Sq. at the southwest corner of the intersection of Somerville Ave. and Prospect St.

“Our plans for this property are consistent with the City of Somerville’s goals for creating new housing and aligned with the broader mission of addressing the acute housing shortage in Greater Boston,” said Jameson Brown, chairman and CEO of The Hamilton Company. “This zoning change would enable the construction of a substantial number of two- and three-bedroom apartment units, as well as other configurations. Our vision for this project also calls for the creation of significant open and civic space, implementing city-planned streetscape improvements, and a projected material increase in tax revenue over current uses.”

Current Somerville zoning regulations do not permit residential uses within the CC5 district. However, the allowable commercial uses are unlikely to become viable because of recent changes in economic conditions and business trends. While millions of s/f of commercial space have been permitted and built in Union Sq. since the adoption of the current zoning regulations, the city of Somerville has recognized the need for more residential development. The city’s Somervision 2040 plan, and other planning documents, explicitly call for the creation of additional housing.

A change to the zoning map for the Commercial Core 5 district requires approval of the Somerville City Council with input and guidance from the Planning Board. The Hamilton Company has the sole, absolute property rights on the Union Square site and is working with its design team at Elkus-Manfredi Architects on the creation of a comprehensive plan to present to the city.

Previously, in 2023, The Hamilton Company sought amended zoning for the Union Square site to develop a mixed-use,four-story, office, lab, and R&D building with new retail and restaurant space along Somerville Avenue. Changing market conditions that favor new housing stock, and an evolving economic landscape shifted the company’s planning, development, and design process to the current project.

Adoption of the new zoning map amendment would allow full and open public consideration of The Hamilton Company’s plans, which would help the City of Somerville realize a vision for Union Square as both a residential neighborhood and commercial center. 

“We’re excited to discuss our plans and the proposed zoning amendment with the City Council, and to come together with the Somerville community on a transformative development for this parcel,” Brown said. “Creating high quality new apartments will help address the region’s housing shortage. It will also cultivate economic activity, offer new public spaces, and promote a dynamic and exciting future for Union Square.”