Push for more housing in Union Square hinges on zoning change

Local News

The Hamilton Company filed a proposed zoning amendment on Tuesday to make way for a 180-unit development.

Before it can formally pitch the project, The Hamilton Company is asking Somerville to change the zoning for a site in Union Square, a step the developer says is necessary to pursue two six-story mixed-use buildings with nearly 200 homes.

In an announcement last week, the real estate developer said it submitted the proposed zoning amendment to the city last Tuesday. 

“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,” said Jameson Brown, chairman and CEO of The Hamilton Company, in a statement. 

The site sits at the southwest corner of Somerville Avenue and Prospect Street, in a commercial zone where housing isn’t allowed. The developer says the types of uses the zoning permits, such as lab and office space, no longer make financial sense given the current market.

In 2023, the company tried to rezone the property to build a four-story mixed-use project with office, lab, and R&D space alongside retail and restaurants. But shifting market conditions pushed the team to rethink the plan.

“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,” Brown said. 

The change to the zoning map requires approval from the Somerville City Council with input and guidance from the Planning Board. 

The Hamilton Company already owns the property, which extends from the existing Dunkin’ to the Buk Kyung restaurant. The developers are working with the design team, Elkus-Manfredi Architects. 

The proposed plans include having retail, commercial, and civic uses on the ground floor and residential uses on upper floors, for a total of 180 units. The units would include a mix of 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. 

The project would meet the city’s 20% inclusionary requirement for affordable housing.

The developers say the two buildings will be consistent with plans for the square, namely the surrounding ongoing large-scale developments by USQ. 

Founded in 1954, The Hamilton Company is one of the largest privately held real estate organizations in New England. Originally involved in residential development, the company has grown into a full-service real estate firm, managing and leasing about 1.5 million square feet of commercial space and more than 5,600 residential units. 

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.