BOSTON — The Hamilton Company announced that it has submitted a proposed zoning map amendment to the City of Somerville that would enable the construction of new apartment housing in Union Square, aiming to help address Greater Boston’s ongoing housing shortage.
Union Square One Development, LLC — a wholly owned affiliate of The Hamilton Company and its partners — filed the amendment request on February 10 for an underutilized parcel located at the southwest corner of Somerville Avenue and Prospect Street. The property currently sits within Somerville’s Commercial Core 5 (CC5) zoning district.
Under existing zoning regulations, residential development is not permitted within the CC5 district. The proposed zoning change would allow housing on the site, opening the door to the development of a substantial number of new apartment units.
“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 2- and 3-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.”
The company noted that while millions of square feet of commercial space have been permitted and built in Union Square since adoption of the current zoning regulations, recent economic shifts and business trends have made additional large-scale commercial development less viable. At the same time, the City of Somerville has identified the need for additional housing in long-term planning efforts, including its Somervision 2040 plan, which calls for expanded residential development.
Approval of a zoning map amendment for the CC5 district would require action by the Somerville City Council, with input and guidance from the Planning Board. If approved, the change would allow for full public review and consideration of the company’s proposed development plans.
The Hamilton Company holds sole property rights to the Union Square site and is working with Elkus-Manfredi Architects to develop a comprehensive proposal for presentation to city officials and the community.
The current housing-focused proposal marks a shift from the company’s earlier plans for the site. In 2023, The Hamilton Company sought amended zoning to pursue a mixed-use, four-story office, lab, and research and development building with ground-floor retail and restaurant space. However, evolving market conditions and a growing demand for housing prompted the company to redirect its planning and design efforts toward residential development.
“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.”
If approved, the zoning change would represent a significant step in reshaping the future of Union Square as both a residential neighborhood and a vibrant commercial center.
