Client Challenge | The former Ames Safety Envelope factory site — a 7.5-acre industrial campus in Somerville — had gradually transformed into a home for climate-tech startups, creative businesses, and community spaces, all operating within outdated buildings and under conventional zoning not designed to support modern innovation uses. Rafi Properties acquired the site in 2018 with a goal of unlocking the campus’s full potential while preserving its character and supporting its diverse tenant base. The challenge: navigate complex regulatory hurdles, aging infrastructure, and fragmented site conditions to create a cohesive, future-ready innovation campus.

Team Approach | Principle began with tactical, short-term improvements — transforming an underused parking courtyard into an active public space and piloting small-scale upgrades across the campus. In parallel, a multi-year community planning effort engaged tenants, neighbors, and city stakeholders to co-create a phased redevelopment vision. Through this process, the team worked to balance regulatory compliance with preserving the campus’s creative energy, advocating for zoning updates to better support innovative uses. Throughout, the goal was to make the campus more open, inclusive, and connected, both physically and socially.

Project Impact | Initial improvements to public space, bicycle infrastructure, and arts programming have fostered a stronger sense of community across the campus. In 2022, a youth-driven, multi-generational Community Center launched on site, partnering with local organizations to provide educational, arts, and wellness programming. Looking ahead, Phase 1 of redevelopment will introduce new permanent facilities, expand commercial space for the climate-tech industry, and establish a social impact fund, helping Somernova grow as an inclusive, mission-driven innovation district. New zoning approvals are expected in 2023, with construction commencing in 2024.

Location  
Somerville, MA

Client
Rafi Properties

Year
2018–Present

Status
Under Review

Team
Principle
KP Strategies
ZGF/Utile
RKG
Howard Stein Hudson
Mikyoung Kim Design
Buro Happold

Disciplines
Urban Design
Planning
Zoning & Coding
Community Engagement

More Info
www.somernova.com