A rendering of SOMA, a new 69-unit luxury apartment project in downtown Somerville — Courtesy: Sterling Properties
By Joshua Burd
A developer has received approval to build 69 luxury apartments in downtown Somerville, marking the latest project to move forward in the borough’s ongoing redevelopment.
The firm, Sterling Properties, said Monday that it will begin site work later this spring on the upscale property at 110 South Bridge St. Located within walking distance of an NJ Transit rail station, the four-story project is slated for delivery in 2018 and will range from studios to two-bedroom homes.
The Livingston-based developer said the community will also feed off of the nearby Division Street Plaza and the shops, services, dining and entertainment on Main Street. It has dubbed the project SOMA, a nod to its location south of Main Street.
“There are many factors we consider when choosing new development opportunities, topped by demand, location and a high level of commutability,” said Nick Hollenbeck, director of sales and marketing for Sterling Properties. “SOMA has all these attributes and an energetic downtown with great restaurants and retail.”
Designed by architecture firm Comito Associates, SOMA is meant to blend with the architecturally landscape of downtown Somerville, Sterling said in a news release. Homes will range from 585 to 1,290 square feet and feature nine-foot ceiling heights, a washer and dryer in every unit and high-end finishes and appliances.
The building will also offer a state-of-the-art fitness studio and tech lounge, the news release said. Interior design firm Mary Cook and Associates has been hired to design the project’s unit interiors and common space.
The developer said SOMA is part of its aggressive development strategy. It has nearly 1,000 homes under construction or planned for 2018 across a wide variety of markets and product types.
“Much of our focus has been on transit-oriented communities in livable and walkable locations,” said Jeffrey Garfinkel, director of acquisitions for Sterling. “SOMA, for example, is just down the block from Somerville Station which provides easy access into Newark Penn Station and New York City.”
