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*.
 
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