Somerville Pivots Design Plans For Washington Street Property

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city announced that it has reshifted the focus of a redevelopment project for the property on 90 Washington St.

The property is now slated to be sold to a private developer to turn into a mixed-use residential development with the ground floor designated for retail space.

In 2019, the Somerville Redevelopment Authority acquired the property through eminent domain with the goal of converting it into a police headquarters, fire station, and emergency dispatch center. Mayor Katjana Ballatyne cited unforeseen costs as the reason for the change of plans for the location. The city originally purchased the site for $8.7 million, but a court ruling more than quadrupled the price to $35.3 million.

“We are already working on new approaches to meet our public safety building needs and also to ensure our community gets the best possible benefit from this land,” Ballantyne said. “Under the changed circumstances, the best use is clearly homes to help address the housing crisis–including market and affordable units right next to our new East Somerville T stop.”

The city is still exploring the possibility of integrating a fire station into any potential private development.