Somerville Breaking Ground on 299 Broadway + 15 Temple Street

When you wish upon a star (market), dreams really do come true. On Thursday, July 16, the Somerville community is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony marking the long-vacant former Star Market site's transformation into 319 new homes, including 136 affordable units.

"The 299 Broadway and 15 Temple Street project sets the standard for what we should be building more of in Somerville. Well over 100 of the homes here will be affordable, more than double the City's requirement," said Mayor Jake Wilson. "This shows what's possible when the City, the Commonwealth, private developers, and residents work together. I want to thank the previous administration, our partners, and the development team for the work that got us here. The making of this project spans three administrations, and I especially want to thank former Mayor Ballantyne for her pivotal role in keeping it whole and our community for envisioning a project that raises the bar."

Ceremony Details

• When: Thursday, July 16, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Where: 299 Broadway
• What: Short speaking program and ceremonial groundbreaking with free refreshments.

"This project is exactly the kind of thoughtful, community-led development Somerville needs," said Ward 4 Councilor Jesse Clingan. "It transforms a long-vacant site into much-needed housing, with an extraordinary commitment to affordability. Given that the abandoned Star Market has been the number-one issue raised by residents over the years, this is a major win for our community. I'm proud to have played a role in bringing this important project to Ward 4 and the City of Somerville."

About 299 Broadway and 15 Temple Street

The development is being led by Mark Development, Beacon Communities, RISE Together, and Samuels & Associates, in partnership with the City of Somerville and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The project reflects years of planning, collaboration, and community input to bring new housing and investment to a key neighborhood site.

At 15 Temple Street, Beacon Communities and RISE Together will create 115 affordable apartments, including homes for households earning at or below 60% of Area Median Income and at or below 30% of Area Median Income. At 299 Broadway, Samuels & Associates and Mark Development will create 204 apartments, including 21 affordable units, along with neighborhood-serving retail and resident amenities.

"As we celebrate the start of vertical construction, it's rewarding to see the City of Somerville's long-planned vision for this site take shape above ground," said Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities. "We're deeply appreciative of the creativity, collaboration, and investment from our development partners at Mark Development and Samuels & Associates, and from City officials and staff, that have helped move this complex and transformative project forward. Together, we are revitalizing a long-vacant property, strengthening the Winter Hill neighborhood, and advancing a model for expanding much-needed mixed-income housing in communities throughout the Commonwealth."

"This project is the result of sustained collaboration with the City of Somerville on how to best revitalize a long-dormant site and a shared commitment to listening to the community as the project evolved," said Robert Korff, Chief Executive Officer of Mark Development. "Together with our partners, we've created a development that expands housing opportunities while delivering the public spaces, sustainability, and neighborhood investments residents told us they wanted."

"This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter for Winter Hill that will create homes, welcome new businesses, and invest in a neighborhood in ways that will benefit Somerville residents for generations," said Damien Chaviano, Co-President and Principal at Samuels & Associates.

Construction is underway, with 15 Temple Street expected to welcome residents in late 2027 and 299 Broadway expected to be completed in early 2028.

Persons with disabilities can request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or [email protected] in advance of the event.

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 311 at 617-666-3311. The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.