Union Square Somerville Infill and Small Developments

I think it’s a transformer, but I’ll double check the next time I walk by it.
 
RandomWalk said:
I think it’s a transformer, but I’ll double check the next time I walk by it.
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What a way to suck the life out of a first-floor! I'm curious as to why it had to be there instead of anywhere else - whatever it is.
 
RandomWalk said:
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The former Thunder Road condo building is nearing completion. The non-brick cladding is giving off a weird, shiny, aluminum siding vibe.
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This building has many, many apparent issues.

Aside from the seeming bait and switched ground floor, take a look at the clearly crooked flooring on that upper balcony - - did a kindergarten child paste this one together? There is zero chance anyone would feel safe walking out on that. Hopefully that is merely a placeholder for the finished product. Also the top of the right side lighter corrugated facade looks crooked.

Somerville deserves some answers.

tkgeast.com

379 Somerville Ave - KDI

tkgeast.com tkgeast.com
 
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shmessy said:
Aside from the seeming bait and switched ground floor, take a look at the clearly crooked flooring on that upper balcony - - did a kindergarten child paste this one together?
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I had thought wood framed balconies were always sloped to promote drainage and prevent water damage?

A dear friend’s family was caught up in a big balcony collapse back out in CA a few years back, so I’m happy that newer buildings are taking water on balconies seriously.
 
Texasian said:
I had thought wood framed balconies were always sloped to promote drainage and prevent water damage?

A dear friend’s family was caught up in a big balcony collapse back out in CA a few years back, so I’m happy that newer buildings are taking water on balconies seriously.
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Great point - - but why make a balcony on a multi-story building wood-framed?
 
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shmessy said:
Great point - - but why make a balcony on a multi-story building wood-framed?
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Literally the same reason developers do anything: money.

Units with outdoor space, regardless of quality, command a higher price.
 
Texasian said:
Literally the same reason developers do anything: money.

Units with outdoor space, regardless of quality, command a higher price.
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I know - -same reason why factories would rather dump sewage directly into the rivers.

Doesn't mean it should happen. The municipal govt needs to step in. I should have written "Why is a wood-framed balcony ALLLOWED on a multi-story building".
 
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Looking at the planning review, the latest proposal from June 2021 makes no reference to the need for a pad mounted transformer anywhere in the project. However, by the time the building had made it to walls going up, the facade was changed without a revision to the special permit.
 
But there's clearly a public art community benefit on the transformer.....developer is working with the *community*.
 
themissinglink said:
Bow Market
12/28
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It's one of the only areas where I think I can call this a true "winter illumination" - I used to be thrilled by the lights that the put up in Central Square in Cambridge, or the globes on trees around Union Square but, now, all those night time lights pale in comparison. We need more illuminations to get through the darkest of days.
 
While I appreciate the public space, a building made of cinder blocks and exposed metal isn't the most inviting place I can think of.
 
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