Projects

The Homans site is owned by the city and lies between the Gilman Square T stop and Medford Street, where the Homans Building once stood. It is an anchor property in the development of Gilman Square, providing a direct connection to the Square, and we expect significant interest once the city creates an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the site.

Due to its location in the middle of a steep hill, the Gilman Square T station is the only station on the GLX without ADA access. While we await development of the Homans site, our Accessibility Committee will pursue options to improve access. Please email the board if you'd like to join!

We are reviving our Business Development Committee to meet with owners of potential project sites and encourage small business development. Please email the board if you have ideas or would like to join!

Supported by the City of Somerville’s one-time ARPA funds, during the summer of 2024 Culture House, Small Mart, and Winter Hill Brewing created six weekend pop-up markets on the Homans site, renamed "Gilman Park." The GSNC is working with the city to continue temporary activation of this central property while we await its development. An RFP (Request for Proposal) for temporary activation is expected in December 2025 for programming in 2026.

The owner, Jim Kaplan, an active GSNC member, has received initial approval to convert the ground floor back into a retail space, and he is soliciting ideas for businesses and contacts. You can reach him via the google group or the board.

The Y's development team held their first community meeting in January 2025. Local newspaper Cambridge Day reported on the presentation with links to the video recording and slides. WBZ News also ran a story one week later.

In partnership with Just a Start, the Somerville Community Land Trust has purchased 297 Medford Street, the former A+ Auto Body site, where they plan to build a 100% affordable residential building. New zoning was approved changing the site from MR3 to MR4, and the GSNC will negotiate a community benefits agreement with the developer once the developer is ready.

New zoning was approved changing the site from MR4 to MR6 allowing the developer to convert the SRP Sign Shop and an adjacent house to a 6-story residential building with first floor retail.  However, the developer has since withdrawn from the project.

As part of their Pavement and Sidewalk Management program, the city plans to reconstruct sidewalks and repave Pearl Street from McGrath Highway to Medford Street. Input was collected from the community through November 2024 and Bowman has been hired to lead the project. A design open house is scheduled for October 4, 2025.

After a long wait, the former Star Market will be redeveloped as two 4-6 story residential buildings with over 40% of the units being affordable.  The development will also include a civic plaza and a new neighborhood pocket park. The developer hopes to secure financing in October 2025 and begin work in November.

In December 2024 the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) approved state funds to help rebuild the Winter Hill School and possibly the Brown School. A project website has been created by the city, and a decision on the scope and location of the project is expected by the end of 2025.