
From the start, the Union Square Revitalization has aimed to make a great neighborhood even better. Shaped by years of public process and community input, the redevelopment plan reflects Somerville’s values—delivering on key SomerVision goals like job creation, housing, and open space, while also providing community benefits designed with and for local residents, workers, and businesses.
This transformation into a vibrant, transit-oriented employment district will generate over $100 million in community benefits and more than $475 million in new tax revenue over the next 30 years.
Follow along here as we highlight the meaningful public and community benefits that the USQ development is bringing to life.
And to learn more about how 10–50 Prospect (D2) delivered on key SomerVision goals, click here.
July 2025: As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the arts in Union Square, USQ is proud to sponsor Feet Keep the Beat: LINEAGE—an electrifying performance hosted by Arts at the Armory that celebrates the global power of percussive dance, from Kathak to Flamenco and beyond.
June 2025: US2 was proud to partner with the Boston Book Festival to support Lit Crawl Boston—a neighborhood-wide celebration of literature and storytelling held in June.
May 2025: As part of this year’s Somerville Arts Council PorchFest in May, US2 and Life Alive teamed up to bring live music to the plaza in front of the café at 10 Prospect.
May 2025: In May 2025, we celebrated National #BikeToWorkDay with USQ’s annual free Bike Check-Up Clinic at Union Square Station Plaza, powered by our friends at @get.nemo.
February 2025: In partnership with the Somerville Arts Council and Somerville Open Studios (SOS), US2 transformed a vacant retail space at the base of 50 Prospect, near the MBTA station, into a temporary community art gallery: Exhibit @ 50 Prospect. This initiative fulfills a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) commitment to support local arts and culture through rotating exhibitions.
December 2024: In December 2024, US2 hosted its 4th Annual USQ Holiday Give, rallying community members and local businesses to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) during the holiday season. This year’s effort collected over 600 pounds of food and essential supplies and raised more than $5,600 in direct donations to benefit individuals and families facing food insecurity.
November 2024: Life Alive Organic Café officially opened in November 2024, at the corner of Bennett Court and Prospect Street, activating the ground floor of 10 Prospect with vibrant, health-conscious energy.
October 2024: US2 has contributed a total of $475,000 in jobs linkage payments to Somerville’s Job Creation & Retention Trust (JCRT) as part of its workforce development commitments.
October 2024: In October 2024, US2 made its second $517,000 housing linkage payment to the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, bringing the total contribution to $1,034,000 to date. One final payment will be made next year, for a total commitment of $1,552,000.
October 2024: In October, US2 welcomed students from the Boston College Real Estate Club and Boston University for guided tours of the Union Square Revitalization project.
October 2024: In early October, USQ was honored to host Governor Maura Healey’s press conference at Union Square Station Plaza and our 450-unit residential project, celebrating the MBTA Communities Act and the launch of the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund.
August 2024: US2 partnered with talented local artist Jef Czekaj to create the 3rd Annual Scenes from Somerville coloring book, celebrating the character and creativity of Union Square. This year’s edition features illustrations of eight beloved local businesses: Rococo Floral, Pop’s Pinball Parlor at Bow Market, Gracie’s Ice Cream, Reliable Market, Life Alive Café, Ebi Sushi, Vinal General Store, and Maprang Bakery.
June 2024: The MBTA has completed the installation of Passage, a striking new 3D sculpture by local artist Matt Trimble, at the Union Square Station entry.
June 2024: As part of its ongoing support for local businesses and food equity, US2 sponsored the 7th Annual Good Food For All campaign at the Union Square Main Streets Farmers Market. The campaign raises awareness and funds for the local SNAP match program, helping to create a more inclusive and accessible farmers market for all members of the community.
June 2024: In partnership with the Somerville Arts Council (SAC), US2 is transforming the public corridor between Union Square Station Plaza and the public parking garage into a rotating gallery space—part of our Community Benefits Agreement commitment to support the arts.
June 2024: With Phase 1 (D2) of the Union Square Revitalization reaching substantial completion, US2 welcomed more than 125 members of the local community for guided project tours in late June.
June 2024: US2 is proud to serve on the steering committee for Union Square Main Streets’ Keep Small Strong (KSS) initiative—an ARPA-funded pilot program aimed at building a sustainable and resilient future for the local small business community.
May 2024: As part of our commitment to public space activation and sustainability, US2 hosted two community-focused events at Union Square Station Plaza.
May 2024: As part of the final completion of the 20–50 Prospect residential project, US2 made a $234,000 Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) payment to the City of Somerville in May 2024.
February 2024: US2 is proud to serve on the steering committee for Union Square Main Streets’ Keep Small Strong initiative—a pilot program funded by ARPA to explore strategies for building a more sustainable and resilient future for the local small business community. This collaborative effort brings together local business owners, residents, USMS board members, and staff to support long-term economic vitality in Union Square.
December 2023: To support local businesses and celebrate the season, US2 is proud to sponsor the 9th Annual Union Square Main Streets Holiday Stroll. We joined in the festivities by decorating our storefront—featuring our favorite Holiday Robot—to help bring energy, joy, and foot traffic to the neighborhood during this beloved community tradition.
December 2023: In December 2023, US2 introduced a new Bluebikes station to the neighborhood, adding another convenient and sustainable transportation option for Union Square residents, workers, and visitors. This addition supports local mobility and connects the community to the broader regional bike share network.
December 2023: In December 2023, US2 hosted its third annual USQ Holiday Give—a community-wide effort to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC). Thanks to the generosity of local residents, businesses, and organizations, over 800 pounds of food and essential supplies were collected and delivered to SHC. In parallel, more than $7,000 in direct contributions were raised—enough to help provide up to 700 meals for food-insecure individuals and families.
November 2023: As part of its commitment to equitable development, US2 made a $517,000 contribution to Somerville’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Q4 2023. This is the first of three planned housing linkage payments, totaling $1,552,000 over the next two years.
November 2023: As part of its workforce development commitments, US2 has contributed a total of $475,000 to Somerville’s Job Creation & Retention Trust through jobs linkage payments. The most recent payment was made in Q4 2023, helping to fund programs that expand access to employment opportunities and support a resilient local workforce.
October 2023: US2 collaborated with local art curator Susan Berstler, recommended by the Somerville Arts Council, to bring the work of Somerville-based artists into the shared spaces at Prospect Union Square. The newly installed pieces add vibrancy and local character to the building’s common areas.
October 2023: US2 has substantially completed the permanent infrastructure improvements that support the Union Square MBTA Station.
October 2023: US2 marked a major milestone in the Union Square Revitalization with the substantial completion of landscape and hardscape improvements at Union Square Station Plaza—now the largest public space in Union Square.
September 2023: In partnership with the Somerville Arts Council, US2 commissioned a new public art mural for 10 Prospect through a competitive call to local artists. After receiving over a dozen submissions, the mural “Restoration” by local artist Sophy Tuttle was selected for its powerful message and visual impact.
September 2023: US2 proudly sponsored the Fluff Festival for the 10th consecutive year, continuing our commitment to supporting Union Square’s small businesses and community traditions. This year, we added to the festivities with a prize wheel that gave festivalgoers the chance to win Union Square-themed goodies—including gift cards to local favorites like Taqueria Picante, The Independent, and Maprang Bakery; Somerville Chocolate bars; Green Line passes; coloring books; tote bags; and more.