Development Project
231-249 Elm Street
Developer: Copper Mill
Embedded Files
Copper Mill has proposed several variations of 24-26 story buildings for the corner of Elm and Grove Streets, with about 10 commercial spaces on the ground floor and 502 residential units on the upper floors. (See the timeline below for information about earlier proposals.)
The Davis Square Neighborhood Council intends to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Copper Mill based on feedback collected by our Community Benefits Committee (apply to join).
This block is currently home to The Burren, Martsa On Elm, McKinnon's Meat Market, Ten One Tea House, and Dragon Pizza. Until recently, it was also home to When Pigs Fly (relocated down the street), Sligo Pub (closed), and Caramel French Patisserie (closed its local location).
Information
Information
🚦 Status: Filed 40B application letter (application to bypass local zoning) with MassHousing and City of Somerville
📍 231-249 Elm Street & 6-8 & 12 Grove Street
↕️ 24-26 Stories
🚗 No additional off-street parking
🚲 Indoor bike room on floor 2
History
History
2019
2019
Scape proposed a new building with approximately 250 units of housing and retail on the ground floor. Community perception was the housing would primarily be targeted at Tufts students. Scape said they intended to retain The Burren, but demolish and rebuild the rest of the block through Dragon Pizza. (📰)
2022
2022
Caramel French Patisserie closed in May, citing “The building we are located in, is under new management and the plans no longer allow us to operate.” (📃)
In August, Scape announced a pivot to a 4-story building with lab space on the upper floors. (📰)
At the Ward 6 community meeting, the City confirmed it was approving Scape's plans. A hand-raise poll of attendees showed the majority were unaware of the new plans prior to that meeting.
2023
2023
Sligo Pub closed in June. (📰)
2024
2024
Some of the same developers, having parted ways with Scape, kicked off a series of community meetings in October to hear what the community wants in that space. Community attendees were overwhelmingly in favor of housing.
In December, they presented a 25-story concept with, ≈10 commercial spaces on the ground floor, ≈250 residential units on the upper floors, and an underground parking garage. Community responses ranged from support, to requests for something in between the current 4-story zoning and the 25-story proposal, to strong opposition to anything over the City's current 4-story restriction.
2025
2025
Copper Mill hosted an additional community meeting in February, in which they offered concessions of outdoor pedestrian space and free retail space for the City, and listed new and returning businesses they were in discussions with. They didn't bring any potential compromises on building height.
Copper Mill sent a letter to the state in December requesting eligibility to use MGL Chapter 40B to supersede local zoning. Ward 6 councilor Lance Davis and Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) Executive Director Tom Galligani informed the DSNC of it at our December general meeting (January 5th, 2026, due to the holidays).
2026
2026
The DSNC obtained a copy of the 40B submission from OSPCD on January 8th. It included more thorough details about the updated building plan dated July 15th, 2025. Changes included an increase to 26 stories, an increase to 502 residential units, and removal of all off-street parking. (💬, 📄)
In early January, Copper Mill also contacted the DSNC Board to request a meeting. (💬)
On January 20th and February 11th, the DSNC Board met with Copper Mill staff.
On March 10th, Copper Mill staff held a meeting at the Crystal Ballroom to discuss the current proposal and answer questions. (📺)
In the spring, Copper Mill launched ElmGroveDavis.com.
In the spring, Copper Mill staff held office hours in 235 Elm St. (formerly Caramel) (🌐).
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