3-Story Assembly Row Mural Represents 'New Somerville'

SOMERVILLE, MA – A local artist's latest design was unveiled at Assembly Row this week at the development's new string of fitness studios. Jessica Meuse was commissioned for $20,000 to create the three-story mural at one of the entrances to FitRow, where studios are expected to open on a rolling basis throughout the summer.

Meuse's vision was to create a mural representing the "new Somerville," as the art community expands to include hip, young, educated and fitness-minded professionals with a flair for style. She worked over the course of the week to bring her design to life, spanning three levels and welcoming fitness enthusiasts to the Row.

"We thought she just got FITRow, and was able to capture the unique vibe and experience that we’re anticipating," Matt Ehrie, vice president and general manager at Federal Realty Investment Trust, said in a release. "It really speaks to Assembly’s industrial and urban roots, while reflecting what the property continues to grow into. We’re grateful to the Somerville Arts Council for helping us connect with the artist community and ultimately highlighting the work of one of our local artists."

The selection process for the mural, which included a formal Request For Proposal, was open to any professional artist or team, with an emphasis on artists with Somerville roots. Artists were asked to feature fitness-themed urban artwork and create a design that reflected a spirit of fitness and health.

"Somerville is a very special place for me, so I’m thrilled to have some of my work shown in such a public space," Meuse said in a statement. "The nature of FITRow immediately made me think of my popular trike series as perfect for the murals, and decided to expand that and include different kinds of cycles, including a unicycle and bicycle."

Somerville Arts Council Executive Director Gregory Jenkins added that the mural is the latest in Federal Realty's emphasis on the arts while preserving the spirit of Assembly's industrial roots.

"Federal Realty has embraced the arts in many ways since opening Assembly Row - from its interpretation of industry and history with the steel trusses, support of the district's iconic Storage Building mural and even the art of dance in the streets," Jenkins said in a release.

The first studio at FITRow, Club Pilates, opened June 3. TITLE Boxing Club followed July 11 and Squeeze Juice Co. is slated to open next, followed by Orangetheory Fitness and barre n9ne later this summer. A fifth fitness studio is expected to be announced soon.

Photo submitted