Gilman Square Mixed Use
Building on an unbuildable site
by optimizing an extreme
vertical section
CLIENT
Private Developer
YEAR
2020
PROGRAM
Mixed-Use
STATUS
In Approvals
LOCATION
Somerville, MA
CONTRACTOR
TBD
COLLABORATION
BOS|UA
What if we could design a truly mixed-use building that sensitively considers the local neighborhood at a newly minted transit hub, while setting an exciting precedent for collaboration between two up-and-coming firms?
Gilman Square is a quiet corner of Somerville that's about to get a lot more active, with the Green Line extension placing a stop right in the middle of the square. With a long history of mixed use development, artist studios, and close proximity to Somerville High School, the square is ready to take on its new role - and ready for underutilized parcels to realize their full potential.
Runcible Studios has paired with BOS|UA for this joint venture project - working with a very special husband and wife development team, who've spent the last 3 years getting to know the community. We're now collaborating to transform a former auto repair shop and parking lot into 30+ units of housing, a restaurant/retail space, and two full floors of office space - complete with green roofs, tons of bike parking, and thoughtful design.
Not shying away from modern design, but also deeply valuing the local vernacular and historical architectural language, the team is looking to add something very special to the square, something that supports local businesses and residents, and something that we as local business owners and residents ourselves can believe in.
Stay tuned as this project takes shape in 2020 - it's currently in the approvals process with the City of Somerville!
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