Assembly Square Infill and Small Developments | Somerville

Equilibria said:
New drawings for Block 5B:

https://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/AssemblyRowBlock5B-R1_DrawingPackage-100418.pdf
Click to expand...

It is probably a good thing that the Garage entrance is off of Grand Union Blvd (the main road).

I already regret that the Lego-and-Movies garage is entered from Artisan Way, crossing a very busy sidewalk.

This is a question new to me: what is the best way to provide parking access to these "new urban" places that wrap city stuff around a parking core? (particulary an above-grade parking core)?

Is it best to:
1) Spread the entrances around, having one or two on every block?
- Pro: it integrates them into the excitement/energy of the street level (you can "see what you're parking for"
- Con: it assures that most sidewalks have at least one garage or loading dock

2) Have them off a "service road" (should they all have come in/out on the road by the Orange line?)
- Pro: Sidewalks get crossed less
- Con: Cars enter "backstage" and can't know that they've parked near where they're actually trying to get to

3) Have them off a multilane boulevard (eg the Grand Union Blvd "spine road")
- Pro: you sort of see which block you're entering
- Con: the boulevard would become "Arterial" and over-punctuated with driveways
 
Arlington said:
It is probably a good thing that the Garage entrance is off of Grand Union Blvd (the main road).

I already regret that the Lego-and-Movies garage is entered from Artisan Way, crossing a very busy sidewalk.

This is a question new to me: what is the best way to provide parking access to these "new urban" places that wrap city stuff around a parking core? (particulary an above-grade parking core)?

Is it best to:
1) Spread the entrances around, having one or two on every block?
- Pro: it integrates them into the excitement/energy of the street level (you can "see what you're parking for"
- Con: it assures that most sidewalks have at least one garage or loading dock

2) Have them off a "service road" (should they all have come in/out on the road by the Orange line?)
- Pro: Sidewalks get crossed less
- Con: Cars enter "backstage" and can't know that they've parked near where they're actually trying to get to

3) Have them off a multilane boulevard (eg the Grand Union Blvd "spine road")
- Pro: you sort of see which block you're entering
- Con: the boulevard would become "Arterial" and over-punctuated with driveways
Click to expand...

2, definitely. Cities have had rear entrances and alleyways since there have been cities.

I agree completely on the AMC garage entrance. Not good for cars or for peds (and I've been both in quick succession).
 
Arlington said:
It is probably a good thing that the Garage entrance is off of Grand Union Blvd (the main road).

I already regret that the Lego-and-Movies garage is entered from Artisan Way, crossing a very busy sidewalk.

This is a question new to me: what is the best way to provide parking access to these "new urban" places that wrap city stuff around a parking core? (particulary an above-grade parking core)?

Is it best to:
1) Spread the entrances around, having one or two on every block?
- Pro: it integrates them into the excitement/energy of the street level (you can "see what you're parking for"
- Con: it assures that most sidewalks have at least one garage or loading dock

2) Have them off a "service road" (should they all have come in/out on the road by the Orange line?)
- Pro: Sidewalks get crossed less
- Con: Cars enter "backstage" and can't know that they've parked near where they're actually trying to get to

3) Have them off a multilane boulevard (eg the Grand Union Blvd "spine road")
- Pro: you sort of see which block you're entering
- Con: the boulevard would become "Arterial" and over-punctuated with driveways
Click to expand...

#2. The con you mention can be easily addressed through signage within the garage(s).
 
^ That view of Encore across the river is badass. Especially when it is lit up at night the dark facade with the gold bands it will look incredible from Assembly, and beyond. The dark facade blends in with the night and all you see is the glowing gold bands lit up in the distance.


 
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The Alloy condo building has color-changing LED crown lighting. Nice little touch on the skyline.
 
CSTH said:
Man, imagine if a tourist saw you admiring that view and asked for directions to the Casino? That's the ultimate 'Cant get there from here....'
Click to expand...

Google maps makes that a 30 minute walk... so nobody is walking from there especially along that route the way it is now. 7 minute Uber or 10 minute bike ride which are both doable. Need that pedestrian bridge to keep people off the roads.
 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/busines...QhXpgGkQTkLba5UfBD5O/story.html?event=event25

Puma moving 550 jobs in from Westford, out from the Government Center Garage (closing for tower construction).

Render is from Grand Union/Foley, looking east. Site 5B.

PUMA%20-%20HQ%20-%20FINAL.jpg
 
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That surrounding area doesnt look like assembly. Where is this parcel in relation to the rest? Thats kind of cool to have new balance, converse, now puma.
 
Arlington said:
It is probably a good thing that the Garage entrance is off of Grand Union Blvd (the main road).

I already regret that the Lego-and-Movies garage is entered from Artisan Way, crossing a very busy sidewalk.

This is a question new to me: what is the best way to provide parking access to these "new urban" places that wrap city stuff around a parking core? (particulary an above-grade parking core)?

Is it best to:
1) Spread the entrances around, having one or two on every block?
- Pro: it integrates them into the excitement/energy of the street level (you can "see what you're parking for"
- Con: it assures that most sidewalks have at least one garage or loading dock

2) Have them off a "service road" (should they all have come in/out on the road by the Orange line?)
- Pro: Sidewalks get crossed less
- Con: Cars enter "backstage" and can't know that they've parked near where they're actually trying to get to

3) Have them off a multilane boulevard (eg the Grand Union Blvd "spine road")
- Pro: you sort of see which block you're entering
- Con: the boulevard would become "Arterial" and over-punctuated with driveways
Click to expand...

2 is good but I wish here they had real alleys vs everything on the waterfront. A small service road hidden between buildings would have been better imo.
 
AssemblyMoe said:
99% sure they will be the anchor tenant of parcel 5B. They just started construction last week.

http://www.bldup.com/projects/assembly-row-block-5b
Click to expand...

Thanks, I couldnt place it by the render. Great to see more density coming.

21596353422_c470be609e_b.jpg


Equilibria said:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/busines...QhXpgGkQTkLba5UfBD5O/story.html?event=event25

Puma moving 550 jobs in from Westford, out from the Government Center Garage (closing for tower construction).

Render is from Grand Union/Foley, looking east. Site 5B.

PUMA%20-%20HQ%20-%20FINAL.jpg
Click to expand...

Now I can see the placement. Looks to be angled side to side vs vertical like above, but its the right parcel. Should be a great addition. Is this an hq or just office space? Anyone know if the building to the right above is a placeholder or proposal?

34360453785_653048d225.jpg


Block-5B-Assembly-Row-Office-Space-Retail-Somerville-MBTA-Orange-Line-Federal-Realty-Jacobs.jpg
 
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