Project Info: What is happening at 599 Somerville Ave?

599 Somerville Avenue project, located at the corner of Somerville Avenue and Spring Street, includes the demolition of the existing one story masonry building. Then once the building permit is received, the new building will consist of one story of underground parking and 3 stories of new office/laboratory shell space.

The project will be a neighborhood main street building that is lab and R&D-ready, providing a moderate floor plate size for the growing ecosystem of Tough Tech companies starting up in Somerville. The building has been designed to prioritize flexible, day-lit tenant spaces, and an active ground floor that engages pedestrians along Somerville Avenue.

Project Length: How long is this project expected to take?

The project is currently scheduled for completion in late 2023.

Construction Hours: What are the hours of construction?

In accordance with City of Somerville Noise Ordinance (Section 9-116.3), the work day shall commence no earlier than 7:00am and it is anticipated that construction activity shall end at 3:30pm daily. Deliveries will be between 7:00am and 3:00pm.

Construction Worker Access: How do construction workers access the work site?

Specific work site entrances for construction personnel will be clearly marked and visible to the public. The number of workers required during construction will vary depending upon project schedule and they are required to park offsite. Job-site personnel have been instructed not park on residential streets and they are encouraged to utilize public transportation to minimize additional vehicles in the neighborhood.

Demolition Phase: What is happening on the project site during the demo phase?

Before construction begins, the MBTA Bus Stop and a US Mailbox located on the Somerville Ave. sidewalk will be temporarily moved. Construction fencing will be installed around the entire site, including the sidewalk and parking spaces along Somerville Avenue. The area will be marked with way-finding and informational signage. Lighting will be added along the fence line for pedestrians before the City lights are removed.

The current bike lane will be protected with Jersey Barriers and will become a new 3’ wide pedestrian sidewalk. The west bound bike lane will be closed and bikes will be detoured to the traffic lane with signage per City guidelines. We propose posting the bike lane closure signage on poles in the sidewalk as there is a parking lane between the sidewalk and the biking lane. New reflective crosswalks will be painted in 4 locations, including new curb cuts and ADA ramps.

The approved traffic routing will be distributed to all subcontractors and suppliers directing deliveries to the site. Construction vehicles can enter the site in two locations. Gate A on Spring Street or at Gate B located on the corner of Somerville Avenue and Spring Street. Flagmen will direct traffic as the construction vehicles exit the site onto Somerville Avenue. 

Dust Mitigation : Will there be a dust mitigation plan in place during demo?

Yes. Soil activities will be conducted in a manner that will reduce dust generation. Water spray will be applied to the demolition and excavation areas if dust is being generated. Each load of soil exiting the site will be covered with a dust tarp. A wheel wash station will be installed at the access gate and erosion control measures (hay bales, silt sacks at drains, etc.) will be installed throughout the site.

Additionally, Shawmut will have its on-site personnel clean around the perimeter of the site as often as necessary. The access gates will be locked during non-construction hours and the site will be discreetly lit for security. Lighting will also be added along the fence line for pedestrians.

Construction Phase: What is happening on the project site during the construction phase?

The excavation for the new foundation will be done with Secant piles. This excavation will require use of the public sidewalk to complete the work, therefore, we have requested rental of this space for the duration of the project.

This type of construction work uses heavy construction vehicles, including dump trucks, concrete trucks, earth-moving equipment, demolition hammers and cranes, which does generate noise during operations. Work will only be conducted after regular operating hours when absolutely necessary and abutters will be notified in advance. The contractor may keep equipment within the work area for the duration of the project.​

Neighborhood Impact: How will the construction affect neighboring residents and businesses?

Shawmut Design & Construction's Project Superintendent, Dan Bagnell, will be the on-site coordinator and shall be responsible for scheduling deliveries, spotting trucks, construction related vehicles and equipment on the site, ensuring that streets are kept clean, and that all conditions of this plan and related permits are fulfilled.  

Upon completion of the project and placement of the new sidewalks, the site fence and temporary pedestrian crosswalks will be removed and the public area returned to pre-construction conditions.  The bus stop will be relocated back to its new site under a new canopy on the building.

Questions: Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?

Questions and concerns about this project can be directed to the 599 Somerville Avenue Development team. We can be reached via email at 599@rafiproperties.com.

The 599 Somerville Avenue Development team aims to respond to questions and concerns as quickly as possible. If you contact us over the weekend or after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, we will respond to your email promptly on the following business day.