90 Washington Street in Somerville is currently under the ownership of the City’s Redevelopment Authority (SRA). Back in 2019, the City of Somerville, under previous leadership, utilized eminent domain via the SRA to acquire this property. The initial vision was to transform the then-vacant commercial site into a civic hub. This hub was planned to house the police headquarters, the Engine 3 fire station, and serve as a new base for E911 emergency telecommunications. However, the project encountered a significant hurdle when the land acquisition cost dramatically increased following a legal dispute.
The City initially paid $8.78 million for the 90 Washington Street site. However, a subsequent court ruling significantly inflated this figure to $35.3 million, plus accrued interest. This brought the total expenditure to approximately $39 million. This substantial increase was attributed to the court’s jury valuing the property based on its potential for development into high-value laboratory buildings, rather than its current zoning designation.
Faced with this unexpected and considerable financial burden, the City, through the SRA, is adapting its strategy for 90 Washington Street. To address the immediate financial obligation to the previous property owner, the City will issue a short-term bond and allocate other available funds on behalf of the SRA. Moving forward, the City will collaborate closely with the City Council and the Somerville Redevelopment Authority to rezone the 90 Washington Street property and prepare the entire site for sale to private developers.
Proceeds generated from the sale of 90 Washington Street will be specifically used to offset the payment owed for the property acquisition. The initial steps towards this sale are already underway, and further details can be found at voice.somervillema.gov/90washington_redevelopment.
In the interim, the City is also actively assessing the immediate needs and available options for both the Fire and Police Departments. This includes considering necessary maintenance investments and appropriate upgrades to their existing facilities in the short term. Simultaneously, the City will explore new planning avenues for the long-term accommodation of these essential services.
Before its acquisition, 90 Washington Street was known as the location of the popular Cobble Hill Plaza shopping center. This plaza served the community from 1982 to 2016, offering vital amenities to residents along the Washington Street corridor. Although closed by the previous owner for a planned apartment building development, the 4-acre site at 90 Washington Street presents a significant opportunity. Its size allows for substantial new transit-oriented, mixed-use development. This vision includes ground-floor commercial spaces and upper-story residential units, complemented by green spaces and civic areas, aligning with modern urban development principles.
The City’s current priority is to sell the 90 Washington Street property for private development. The focus will be on attracting mixed-use residential projects with ground-floor retail – incorporating both affordable and market-rate housing units. This development will aim to align with the community vision as outlined by the 90 Washington Street Civic Advisory Committee. City staff are also investigating the feasibility of integrating the Engine 3 fire station into a private development. While this approach presents challenges, it could potentially mirror the successful public-private partnership model used for Somerville’s new Assembly Row Fire Station, which is anticipated to open this spring.
Project Site Details
The 90 Washington Street site encompasses 4 acres and is conveniently located near the East Somerville GLX station. Based on sound urban design principles and project requirements, the site has been strategically divided into four distinct areas. These include the realignment of New Washington Street, the Washington Street Redevelopment Parcels (designated as Parcels A & C), and the PSB project site, which is most likely to be situated on Parcel B. The proposed realignment of New Washington Street involves shifting it westward to align with Franklin Street. This adjustment aims to create a safer intersection with Washington Street, capable of accommodating a traffic signal. Such a signal would significantly improve emergency vehicle access to both roadways, enhancing public safety and response times.
Map of 90 Washington Street Somerville project site showing subdivided parcels and proposed New Washington Street realignment.
The strategic location of 90 Washington Street, adjacent to the East Somerville GLX station, positions it as a prime site for transit-oriented development. This proximity to public transportation enhances its appeal for mixed-use projects, promising to integrate residential, commercial, and potentially civic elements into a vibrant, accessible urban space. The planned redevelopment seeks to revitalize this key area of Somerville, transforming it into a dynamic hub that serves the needs of the community while maximizing the potential of this valuable property.
