Somerville, Massachusetts

Aldersey Street Development

Historic Preservation Meets Modern Infill

Aldersey Street Development

View of a red residential building with black-framed windows and a small balcony from a yellow porch with white railings, on a sunny day with blue sky and some trees.

The Aldersey Street Residences is a case study in complex urban infill development, transforming a highly sensitive and historically-contested site in Somerville's Prospect Hill neighborhood. This ambitious project followed a challenging process, including a nearly 20-year legal and zoning battle (under the previous Owner), which ultimately led to a court order mandating the project's approval and paving the way for the current Owner to successfully acquire and execute the vision.

The development successfully navigates this legacy by incorporating three structures on the site to create a total of 11 high-performance modern residences. The project’s centerpiece is the preservation and integration of 3 units in the original historic building (c. 1850), complemented by two new carefully designed buildings.

All three buildings contribute to the city’s need for housing while maintaining a commitment to modern quality. The new construction features modern high-performance systems and advanced construction methods, ensuring superior longevity and performance. The resolution of this long-standing land-use challenge is a testament to comprehensive planning and design expertise, resulting in a unique, desirable addition to the community that seamlessly integrates with the site’s history.

Line drawing of multiple residential buildings on Aldersey Street, featuring various roof styles, porches, and multiple floors, depicted in a blueprint style.
Architectural site plan of a residential property featuring labeled buildings, landscaping, driveways, and yard setbacks with annotations and measurements.
Line drawing of multiple large residential houses with porches and gabled roofs.
Line drawing of three residential houses on a sloped lot, viewed from the front.
A large, yellow, three-story house with a wraparound porch and multiple windows, set against a blue sky with some clouds.
Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a kitchen island with beige ottomans, pendant lights, and decorative vases.
Undergoing exterior renovation, a two-story red house with cream trim and porch, construction tools, and a landscaped yard.
Blueprint of three residential houses with porches, multiple windows, and gabled roofs.

HIGHLIGHTS & STATS

  • Project Size: Approx. 20,000 SF

  • 11 Residential Units

  • Completion: 2024

COLLABORATORS

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