Somerville To Celebrate Davis Square Improvements With Ribbon Cutting

The project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve public spaces and neighborhood business districts throughout the city.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 10, 2026 11:37 AM EDT

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city has announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating recent public space improvements in Davis Square, with new public art, seating, plants and lighting installed at the Davis Square Slip Lane and Statue Park.

The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., directly before the Down in Davis: Alive at Five performance at Statue Park.

The improvements were designed by the city's Public Space and Urban Forestry team and installed with assistance from the Department of Public Works. The project is intended to make Davis Square more welcoming and comfortable for residents, visitors, workers and shoppers while supporting businesses, restaurants, arts venues and other gathering spaces in the neighborhood.

The Davis Square Slip Lane, located in front of Mike's restaurant, has been converted into a community space featuring an asphalt mural by Boston-based artist Massiel Grullón, additional seating, native pollinator plants and string lights. At Statue Park, the city is installing a new art piece fabricated by Somerville-based Black Cat Labs and has updated banners around the area.

Mayor Jake Wilson said the project builds on the restaurants, music, public art, businesses and open spaces that have made Davis Square a gathering place in the city. He said the improvements are intended to add more places for residents and visitors to spend time in the square.

"Davis Square has always had the ingredients that make a neighborhood feel alive: food, music, transit, public art, open space, small businesses, and people coming together," Wilson said. "This project builds on that energy with more color, comfort, and places to gather."

Ward 6 City Councilor and City Council President Lance Davis said the improvements will help maintain Davis Square as an active neighborhood center.

"Davis Square is, and always has been, a fantastic place to spend time, do your shopping, and bump into your neighbors for a quick chat," Davis said. "I'm thrilled with these investments from both the city and our community to help keep Davis Square the vibrant heartbeat of our city."

The project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve public spaces and neighborhood business districts throughout Somerville. Public Space and Urban Forestry Director Luisa Oliveira said business owners, gardeners, artists, volunteers and city staff contributed to the improvements.

"The glow up of Davis Square is about more than adding color," Oliveira said. "It is about creating vibrant squares to gather, adding shade and comfort for people to do so, and helping people feel welcome in the square."