Somernova Files Scaled Back Zoning for Campus Expansion

In December of 2023, Somernova proposed a 1.9 million SF campus expansion project, which was withdrawn in February 2024 after receiving feedback from the Somerville community and Union Square Neighborhood Council. We’ve engaged in extensive conversations and, as a result, made significant changes to the previously withdrawn Climate & Equity Innovation Sub-Area Zoning Draft. 

Since the withdrawal of the original version, our team has redesigned the proposed zoning amendment to retain much of the same impact, but better reflect what we heard from the community about how Somernova can best serve Somerville. Our revised proposal envisions a 1.6 million SF campus expansion project comprising R&D and commercial space for growing climate & tough tech companies, local & independent retail, a vibrant music and arts ecosystem, housing, daycare, greenspace & youth-driven community-center.

The proposed Somernova Innovation Sub-Area Zoning, a climate, arts & equity initiative, will allow companies currently incubating in Greentown Labs and in Somernova's innovation hub to grow into their next level space and eventually company headquarters, R&D, light manufacturing, etc. The revised zoning is designed to help preserve and scale the City’s music and arts ecosystem by creating affordable arts spaces such as music recording and rehearsal space, varying sized live music venues featuring local and independent operators

The climate, arts and equity initiative will also link the growing climate tech ecosystem with direct benefits to the community by delivering a state-of-the-art community center, support equitable pathways to jobs, local artists, small businesses, and other opportunities to be defined in line with the changing needs of the community. 

Below is a brief synopsis of the changes made and reflected in the revised zoning draft: 

SCALE

Community Feedback: The buildings are too tall. 

Action Taken: The buildings have been scaled back to 6 to 9 stories (85 to 185 feet) from 9 to 14 stories (45 to 245 feet) with a range of step-backs and heights to best fit the neighborhood context. The project has been reduced to 1.6m SF from 1.9m SF.

MOBILITY

Community Feedback: The project has too much parking and is too car-centric. 

Action Taken: Parking has been reduced by 40% to 748 spaces from 1250, representing a .43/1000 SF parking ratio—the lowest commercial parking ratio to date in Somerville. Bike parking has been increased to 500 spots from 400 spots, a 25% increase. 

Somernova is committed to future proofing the campus by ensuring block 3 is transit ready to connect directly to a potential MBTA train stop. The campus will include a multi-modal, mobility hub that prioritizes the pedestrian with services such as a North-South Connector shuttle, open to the public, designed with the goal of connecting Somernova to the Red, Green, and Orange Lines. 

HOUSING

Community Feedback: Campus expansion should include housing.  

Action Taken: The project now includes a six-story, 100-unit residential building with a minimum of 20% of units designated as affordable.

CIVIC SPACE

Community Feedback: Campus expansion does not have enough civic space. 

Action Taken: We increased our civic space to 18% from 12%, including extensive civic outdoor space with a 37,000 SF Courtyard/Park, 7,200 SF “Daycare” Park, and 11,000 SF Park. This includes a new Public Room civic space type that would allow Somernova to create publicly accessible, indoor spaces that can further enhance the neighborhood’s network of civic spaces. 

ARTS & CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM

Community Feedback: Campus expansion lacks commitment to the local arts community. 

Action Taken: Somernova has engaged in many conversations with the Somerville arts community, and we have collaborated on a plan for how Somernova’s campus expansion could play a role in helping preserve and scale the City’s music and arts ecosystem. Based on these conversations, we recognize that building ACE space alone is not enough, we must collaboratively work on an environment that is purpose-built, intentional, and funded in a larger creative ecosystem. 

The Alley - An ecosystem and destination where art meets tech. It will be a place for local musicians to create, rehearse, write, record, perform, and learn. The Alley will include diversely-sized live music and performance venues, speakeasies, cafes, music/arts-focused retail, affordable music recording and rehearsal space, and more. 

Somernova’s Campus expansion will include

• 65,000 SF of ACE SPACE - 25,000 SF dedicated to affordable arts spaces such as music recording and rehearsal space, varying sized live music venues featuring local and independent operators. A 7,800 SF Affordable Artist Space building at 24 Dane and a significant arts and cultural component of The Dojo (community center). 

• A Curatorial Team of local artists and arts stakeholders to help guide curation, types of businesses, operators, etc., to ensure the plan is implemented authentically.  

• Large-Scale Building-Sized Art (Exterior, including Murals)—Somernova Innovation Sub Area will require public art per building designed to foster opportunities for local, regional, and internationally renowned artists.

Below, please find the Somernova zoning text and map revised amendments reflecting the above. Filed with the city clerk’s office on 5/6/24.