Somerville YMCA Redevelopment Project

The Somerville Y is embarking on a redevelopment project that aims to create a thriving community hub.

This project is designed to bring together various amenities and services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, with a strong focus on collective impact.

We envision a new full-service Y facility, affordable residential units, and other community-serving amenities.

Youth development is a key focus, with programs and services designed to empower young people and help them reach their full potential. The Y offers after-school programs and leadership opportunities to help youth build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Childcare is a vital component of the project, and the Y is committed to providing high-quality early childhood, and school-age care that sets children up for success. As the largest After-School-Out-of-School-Time (ASOST) childcare provider in Somerville, the Y is a trusted resource for families. Through advocacy for shared measurement systems, the Y is working to ensure that all children have access to quality childcare.

The project also prioritizes health and wellness, with an upstream approach to prevention and early intervention. The Y aims to partner with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and to address social determinants of health. The Y’s Healthier Communities Initiatives (HCI) is built on the idea that local communities can work together to support healthy lifestyles through policies and strategies that bring healthy living within everyone’s reach.

Water safety is a crucial priority, with a range of swimming lessons and programs to reduce the number of water-related accidents and fatalities in the community.

Community engagement opportunities are also a key part of the project, focusing on workforce training and development. The Y plans to provide the space for job training and career development services, helping individuals and families build the skills they need to succeed in the economy.

Housing is another vital component of the project, with a focus on affordable and mixed-income units. Currently, the Somerville Y owns and manages 43 Single-Room Occupancy Units (SROs) in a building constructed in 1904. Of these units, 12 receive Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs). About 83% of the current tenants being served are categorized as Very Low Income (VLI) or Extremely Low Income (ELI) based on HUD’s income limits. The Y owns and operates an additional 9 units on 136 School Street rented below fair market rents. The Somerville Y’s affordable housing project serves to bridge equity deficits by both preserving existing affordable housing and expanding the inventory in Somerville.

• 9/12/2024 – Zoning map change application approved by city council.
• 5/1/2024 – Filed zoning map change application. Application and additional materials can be found here: 24-0641
• 1/22/2024 – Exciting progress is being made in the planning and design phase. We have reviewed and discussed the initial program layouts, bringing us one step closer to our vision.
• 12/22/2023 – We welcomed Starrs Aligned, our new Capital Campaign Manager, to our dedicated project team! Their expertise and passion will greatly contribute to our success.
• 11/16/23 – We are thrilled to announce the addition of an Affordable Housing Consultant, Peter Munkenbeck to our project team. Peter’s invaluable knowledge and experience in the tax credit market space will play a significant role in our financing efforts.
• 11/15/23 – Our collaboration with the talented architects at Stantec has begun! We have initiated biweekly meetings to brainstorm and refine our plans, guaranteeing an innovative and well-designed outcome.
• 10/31/23 – Exciting news! We have acquired the neighboring property at 136 School Street, expanding our project’s potential and creating even more possibilities for our community.