+ What is the goal of the project?

The goal is to create a viable mixed-use development attractive to innovative companies, diverse retailers, and the community. We are confident that the proposal, which is consistent with the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan, is a good fit for Davis Square. Early conversations with potential commercial tenants indicate that there is interest in the site’s proximity to talent, public transit, and unique urban character and community of Davis Square.

+ What are the key aspects of the project?

The project includes the complete redevelopment and renovation of 276 Elm Street and 58 Day Street (Phase One) and replacing existing structures at 7 Herbert Street and 254 Elm Street with a new four story development (Phase Two).

The full project includes:

• 20,000 square feet of retail space
• 94,000 square feet of commercial space
• Up to 8 large office or technical office spaces
• Up to 13 new retail spaces averaging +/-1,600 SF

+ What is the Civic Plaza?

The Civic Plaza is a key anchor of the 7th Spoke Concept Plan. To further engage the community, the existing open area will be renovated to create a new 7,500 square foot plaza, zoned as public space, along Elm Street and through block connection to Herbert St.

We anticipate the Civic Plaza to be activated year round in a variety of ways, serving both existing residents and employees of Davis Square with arts & entertainment, retail, dining, and other activations. In addition, we expect that it will draw additional visitors to Davis Square and provide an increase in foot traffic to other nearby businesses.

+ Who will be responsible for maintaining the Civic Plaza and covering costs associated with policing/security, trash, and insurance?

Though the Civic Plaza will be a fully accessible, public open space, it will owned and maintained by Asana Partners as part of our operation of the adjacent buildings. Our team will be responsible for all of the associated maintenance, security, insurance and other applicable costs. We will look for community partners who will find it valuable to use the space for programming and activations. It will not cost Somerville tax payers anything.

+ Have you done an environmental impact study?

We are currently studying the environmental considerations for the project. We are committed to creating a building that is consistent with high standards in environmental sustainability; both buildings will be designed to achieve LEED certification. 58 Day St will target LEED Gold, and the new building will target LEED Platinum. Traffic and Mobility Management Studies are also in progress.

+ Have you done a shadow and height study?

Yes, a preliminary shadow and height study has been completed. TThis analysis indicated minimal to no change to the day-light impact for the proposed CC-4 zoning form in comparison to the current MR-4 zoning (under which we could build a very similar project by right). There is also no impact to the neighboring residences from the existing site conditions. A copy of this study can be accessed on the project website (www.7thspokesomerville.com).

+ Will this project add additional parking?

No; one of the most appealing aspects of the project is its proximity to a variety of transit modes. The site location is within a 3-minute walk to Davis Sq Station on the Red Line, and various bus routes. The Somerville Community Path winds through the square as well, providing an extensive cycle network.

+ Will the Post Office be relocated?

We are currently in discussions with the Post Office, and other tenants, to remain within the development. Based on those discussions, the size and location of the Post Office may shift slightly, but we hope to maintain them as a tenant.

+ Will existing businesses be relocated?

We are honoring all leases in place, and are in conversation with tenants to discuss the best option for them. Currently, Sugidama, Boston Tattoo, Lumar J and Davis Square Family Practice will be staying in Davis Square.

+ Will existing or local businesses get favorable rent terms?

We are eager to create a dynamic ground floor experience, with viable retail, dining and service uses. We anticipate market rents for these spaces, but hope to work collaboratively with all tenants to assure that there are a variety of options (in terms of size, location, etc.) for existing and local tenants to consider as they plan for the future.

+ Will there be new retail space for independent stores?

There will be a variety of retail spaces, some of which will be priced attractively for local retailers.

+ How many and what type of stores are you considering for the commercial space? Will you commit to narrow storefronts to create visual interest from a pedestrian perspective and provide more options for local retailers.

There will be approximately 13 retail spaces available throughout both phases. We are open to all types of retail and feel a mix of restaurants, services, and merchant uses are critical to add value to the community and ensure the success of all businesses in this location.

We expect to optimize the storefront depths along Elm Street to allow for a vibrant facade while also providing tenants with the frontage needed to support a successful retail operation. The average ground floor suite size will be approximately 1,600 SF, allowing for a mix of uses.

+ What is the project schedule?

This project is currently in the permitting phase; we are committed to a full public dialogue about the project as it relates to zoning and permitting. All updates on the schedule will be made available on this website.

+ The rendering shared shows a potential bridge connecting the existing building to the new building, as well as a trellis structure over the Civic Plaza. Are both of these intended to be included in the final design?

The current renderings are conceptual and offer a vision for the site; we have flexibility to finalize the design based on neighborhood feedback, tenant interest/need, zoning approval, and final design review board approval. The proposed trellis structure over the Civic Plaza area offers an opportunity to create a destination space, while reinforcing that this is a usable year round space. The trellis could support heaters, lighting, and other amenities to service the Civic Plaza. The bridge, however, is unlikely to be included at this time.

+ What are the programming details for the Civic Plaza and associated costs?

Exact programming and events are still to be determined as the project design evolves. We hope to use a collaborative model that include a mix of public sponsored events, collaboration events with local organizations, and tenant sponsored events, all in coordination with the property management team.

+ How can City Council enshrine commitments made by Asana for the Civic Plaza and other elements of the project?

We want to be clear that these commitments are an important part of our master plan for the project and key to its success as a commercial enterprise; we are therefore incredibly invested in fulfilling them in a way that is successful. Many of the development commitments can be required through the standard Site Plan and Design Review Board approval processes, which are forthcoming. Additional methods to memorialize Asana’s commitments, if necessary, will need to be coordinated with the City of Somerville regarding the exact details. Our team is happy to cooperate with the City throughout this process.

+ What are the economic benefits of this project?

• Anticipated Affordable Housing Linkage Fees = $352,000
• Anticipated Employment Linkage Fees = $128,512
• Estimated Total Property Taxes (2024) = $1,139,000 annually
• Estimated 490 additional jobs in Davis Square:
  • Adds significant day time population and growth
  • If each employee spends $10/work day in Davis Square it will add $1,274,000 in additional revenue for nearby businesses
  • Assumes 1 employee per 175 SF of added office space