— Photo by Bobbie Toner

Deadline for proposals is Friday, April 10

The City of Somerville and the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an experienced development team to redevelop 90 Washington Street, a nearly four-acre site located steps from the East Somerville MBTA Green Line station.

Positioned at the intersection of Somerville’s Brickbottom, East Somerville, Inner Belt, and Union Square neighborhoods, the site represents one of the largest remaining transit-proximate redevelopment opportunities in Somerville. The City is seeking a partner capable of delivering a dense, mixed-use project that includes housing, activated ground-floor commercial space, and publicly accessible open space.

Background on 90 Washington St. 

The SRA acquired the property by eminent domain in 2019 for $8.8 million, with initial plans for a public safety facility and complementary private development. Following litigation, a court ruling increased the property’s value to $35.3 million plus interest, bringing the total public investment to approximately $39 million.

In January 2025, the City shifted its strategy to no longer advance a public facility and instead offer the full parcel for private redevelopment.

Redevelopment Framework 

The RFP was developed in partnership with Somerville’s City Council and the 90 Washington Street Civic Advisory Committee and establishes clear expectations while providing flexibility to achieve a financially viable and high-quality project.

The City is seeking proposals that: 

• Include a significant financial offer to help the City recoup funds spent to settle the judgment on the taking;

• Deliver high-density housing at a range of affordability levels.

• Activate the ground floor with retail and/or food and beverage operators.

• Incorporate publicly accessible open areas, along with spaces for community nonprofit organizations.

Zoning Pathway

The parcel at 90 Washington St. is currently zoned for civic use, which allows only for parks and public facilities. The City will work with the selected developer to pursue rezoning that will allow for a mixed-use project.

Options include rezoning the site to one of Somerville’s existing highest density zoning districts or establishing a tailored “special district” with custom dimensional standards and permitted uses to help the project achieve both high-density housing and integrate with the surrounding communities.

Selection Timeline

Proposals are due on Friday, April 10, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by the SRA, the City Council, and the Civic Advisory Committee. The SRA intends to select a final development partner by Monday, July 13, 2026.

To support team formation, the City has created a list of organizations interested in collaborating on the proposal. For more information, please reach out to: sra@somervillema.gov.