Somerville Breaking Ground On Former Star Market Site

SOMERVILLE, MA — The long-awaited redevelopment of the city's former Star Market property is set to reach another milestone as city officials prepare to break ground on a mixed-income housing development that will bring 319 new homes to the long-vacant Winter Hill site.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of 299 Broadway and 15 Temple St. is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the project site. The event will feature a brief speaking program, a ceremonial groundbreaking, and free refreshments. Construction is already underway, with the affordable housing building expected to welcome residents in late 2027 and the mixed-income building projected for completion in early 2028.

"The 299 Broadway and 15 Temple Street project sets the standard for what we should be building more of in Somerville. Well over 100 of the homes here will be affordable, more than double the City's requirement," Mayor Jake Wilson said in a statement.

The redevelopment is being led by Mark Development, Beacon Communities, RISE Together, and Samuels and Associates in partnership with the City of Somerville and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The project will transform the former Star Market property into 319 apartments, including 136 affordable units, along with neighborhood-serving retail space and resident amenities. At 15 Temple St., Beacon Communities and RISE Together will construct 115 affordable apartments for households earning at or below 60 percent and 30 percent of the area median income. Mark Development and Samuels & Associates will build 204 apartments at 299 Broadway, including 21 affordable units, as well as ground-floor retail space.

The project has evolved over several years. While plans initially focused on redeveloping the former Star Market, they later expanded to include the neighboring Lyndell's Bakery property at 15 Temple St. After the longtime bakery closed in 2022, developers and city officials spent months evaluating options before determining the aging building could not be feasibly preserved, allowing the affordable housing portion of the project to move forward. The Star Market building itself was demolished late last year after sitting vacant for nearly 17 years.

Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan said the abandoned supermarket has consistently been the top issue raised by residents in the neighborhood.

"Given that the abandoned Star Market has been the number-one issue raised by residents over the years, this is a major win for our community," Clingan said in a statement.

Developers said the project reflects years of planning and community collaboration aimed at revitalizing one of Winter Hill's most prominent vacant properties while expanding Somerville's housing supply. The development includes neighborhood retail space, resident amenities and a mix of market-rate and affordable housing intended to serve a range of households. Construction is expected to continue over the next two years as work progresses toward the planned opening dates.

See Also:

Somerville Launches Drink-Spiking Awareness Campaign At Local Bars

Arts At The Armory's Feet Keep The Beat Festival Returns Later This Month

Somerville Announces Full Schedule For Annual ArtBeat Festival

Popular Somerville Wine Bar Owners Launching New Restaurant

Somerville Educator Running For State Representative