The Evolution of Somerville Apartments from Triple-Deckers to New Construction

Somerville apartments stretch across a city that blends classic architecture with new housing developments rising near active roads and transit lines. From the blocks around Somerville Avenue to the areas leading toward Union Square and Assembly Row, the housing stock shows how the city has grown while still keeping its original character. Classic properties remain a key part of the local streetscape, and new construction adds height and fresh design features that make the area stand out in the current housing market.

Somerville Apartments: Classic Triple-Deckers Define the Original Landscape

Many of the first Somerville apartments built in the city were triple-deckers, and they still form a strong part of the landscape today. These classic three-story homes sit side by side on narrow lots near familiar intersections such as Ball Square and alongside streets branching from Highland Avenue. Their stacked porches, pitched roofs, and wood siding give entire blocks a recognizable look. Many of these long-standing properties are updated, including new siding, refinished porches, and fresh paint that keeps them active in today’s housing inventory. They anchor the city’s visual identity and remain a strong part of the overall housing stock.

Transit Expansion Encouraged New Mid-Rise Housing

As the transit network expanded, especially near Union Square Station, Gilman Square Station, and nearby Green Line stops, new housing developments began rising in key locations. Parcels once used for simple service buildings and basic commercial use have made way for mid-rise housing built with steel frames and clean lines. These new structures face toward main transit corridors with clear entryways and larger window fronts, giving them a noticeable presence from the street. Their design signals a new phase in residential growth within the city, bringing modern construction to areas that once held only smaller buildings.

Classic and New Construction Now Stand Side by Side

Numerous streets in Somerville now show a mix of long-standing housing and newly built residential properties. Triple-deckers with their classic wooden frames often stand next to buildings with brick bases, metal trim, and taller rooflines. On some blocks, new construction still includes brick as a base material to blend with existing facades, while upper levels introduce glass and steel as part of a modern update. This combination creates a layered look where classic porch-front housing meets newer mid-rise units, forming a housing scene that shifts gently from one style to the next without losing its overall flow.

Commercial Corridors Grow Upward with Housing Above Retail

Many commercial roads that once held single-level storefronts now include housing built above active ground-floor spaces. In areas leading toward Union Square and along sections of Somerville Avenue, new buildings keep business space on the street level, while housing rises several floors above. This adds height and consistency to each block, replacing scattered building heights with a more continuous structure. The result is a stronger street presence, where building fronts line up cleanly and give the city a defined visual edge along major commercial routes.

Industrial Conversions Add Another Layer to the Housing Mix

Some established industrial buildings have also been turned into new Somerville apartments. These large brick structures, once used for storage or light industry, now hold residential units inside their original walls. Their wide layouts and tall ceilings remain, giving these properties a distinct presence in the housing landscape. Instead of clearing these buildings away, they were adapted to serve as housing, adding another style to the mix that stands apart from both classic triple-deckers and new construction. These conversions show how established structures can find new use while maintaining strong street visibility.

Somerville Apartments Continue to Grow in Key Locations

Somerville apartments now reflect a wide mix of housing types, all of which contribute to a strong and active market. Classic triple-deckers near Highland Avenue and around well-known intersections continue to shape the look of many blocks, holding their place as part of the original housing layout. New construction near major roads and transit stations adds height, glass, and clean edges that refresh the city’s overall appearance. Housing placed above commercial space along major corridors increases visibility and adds depth to areas once used only for ground-level business. Converted industrial properties further expand the city’s housing mix, offering yet another style within the same market. With all of these elements working together, Somerville apartments remain highly visible and continue to grow in presence across established streets and newly developed corridors.