Construction is underway on a major mixed-income housing development at 299 Broadway in Somerville, marking a significant step toward expanding housing access in the region.
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The project is being developed through a partnership between Beacon Communities, RISE Together, Mark Development and Samuels & Associates. Early construction efforts are currently focused on site preparation and infrastructure work, with an official groundbreaking ceremony expected later this spring.
The long-awaited development will revitalize a previously underutilized site in the historic Winter Hill neighborhood, delivering 319 rental units, including 136 designated as affordable housing.
Beyond residential units, the project will incorporate retail spaces, a public plaza, a playground and mobility improvements designed to enhance connectivity and livability. The development aligns closely with the Winter Hill Neighborhood Plan and reflects years of planning and community engagement.
This initiative is supported by a public-private partnership involving the City of Somerville and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of housing availability for both economic resilience and community well-being.
The development will feature two mixed-use buildings with ground-floor retail and community-focused amenities. One of the buildings—developed by Samuels & Associates and Mark Development—will include 204 apartments within a six-story structure, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Of these, 21 units will be set aside as affordable housing at 80% of area median income (AMI).
The project prioritizes sustainability and accessibility through a fully electric design, incorporating Passive House standards and LEED Gold certification goals. A car-free model is supported by proximity to the Green Line extension at Gilman Square, along with a one-to-one bike-to-unit ratio to encourage alternative transportation.
Safehold Inc. is playing a key role in the project by providing a ground lease and construction loan, helping to stabilize the development’s financial structure.
This financial backing enables the development team to move forward with a complex, transit-oriented project that balances market-rate and affordable housing while delivering community amenities.
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The 299 Broadway development reflects broader trends in multifamily housing, where mixed-income projects and transit-oriented development are increasingly prioritized to address housing shortages in high-demand urban markets.
By combining affordability, sustainability and accessibility, the project aims to serve a diverse resident base while reducing environmental impact. Features such as electric building systems, reduced car dependency and integrated public spaces are becoming standard expectations in modern urban developments.
The inclusion of affordable units is particularly critical in regions like Greater Boston, where rising housing costs continue to challenge workforce stability and economic growth.
The 299 Broadway project represents a major investment in Somerville’s housing future—transforming a vacant site into a sustainable, mixed-income community that balances affordability, transit access and modern urban design.
Originally reported by Yield Pro.
