Type: Mixed-Use Housing & Commercial Program: 8 Apartments, Office Status: Ongoing, Planning Board Approved, UDC Approved Area: 12,000 GSF Client:Mapu Development + More FactsN. Union Street ElevationThe site is at the southern point of Assembly Square, a neighborhood that, overall, has seen a significant transformation over the last 20 years. It is within a section of the neighborhood identified as the Point, which is not seen redevelopment, yet. Mystic Ave Context I-93 ContextN. Union St Context We knew from the start that our project must address these multiple contexts. One where people will experience the building above the street, in a fast and fleeting way. Another along a surface road that is being transformed into a multi-modal thoroughfare. And finally, the slower, human scale North Union St with its cobblestone street and sleepy, quiet nature. Landscape Plan Creating a sense of place is critical to the success of this project. We expanded the sidewalk along N. Union Street and added planters and seating. We created a ground floor commercial space that is anticipated to be a creative office space. We added street trees along both streets to help anchor the corner and mark this an entrance into an emerging micro district in Somerville. N. Union Streetscape
N. Union St Entrance
The building steps to address its neighbors. The stair towers are clad in a contrasting light brick to emphasize the radial massing and to create a relationship with the interior program. Looking North on Mystic AveThe commercial space wraps around the corner and onto Mystic Avenue. The picture windows along the curved section of the facade have angled jamb extensions that anticipate and accentuate the curving geometry of the massing. Each unit has a private balcony, which take on different configurations - juliet, recessed, cantilevered - to give the facade texture and depth. Mystic Ave Streetscape Looking South on N. Union Street
Drawings
3rd Floor Plan
Related Projects: Urban Infill & Missing Middle Housing