In recent months, Davis Square has been a frenzy of new construction and modernization. The intent is to usher in a new wave of transformation for Somerville and to maintain its positive momentum by continuing to develop, according to the Web site of the Davis Area Resident Business Initiative committee (DARBI), which is overseeing the process.
This next step in urbanization will help "promote Davis Square as an attractive place to live, visit, shop and conduct business," according to DARBI.
One Davis Square, for instance, is the site of a soon-to-be erected Boston Sports Club fitness facility and a CVS.
The site, being built by Ryan Construction, will include office space on upper floors, with some space reserved for various non-profit organizations, said Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz. As the representative for the Ward which covers Elm St., Gewirtz has been involved in the construction process.
Although the site was only just demolished during the summer, construction is well underway, and much of the foundation is already excavated. It is projected to be completed within 18 months, Gewirtz said.
Several small-scale constructions are taking place as well. The consignment store Poor Little Rich Girl has moved from its old location on Highland Ave. to Elm St., into the space that used to be West Coast Video.
The space at 51 Davis Square is being completely renovated so that a Mr. Crepe can move in. It is scheduled to open for business next month.
Also, an Italian restaurant is slated to open soon at 400 Highland Ave., and a new Mexican restaurant called Chipotle will open in the place that previously housed Halloween Scream.
Students may also have noticed improvements to the scrolling marquee sign on the Middlesex Federal Savings Bank on College Ave., included to increase community awareness and civic involvement. The scroll now advertises anything from time and temperature to news stories from the Somerville Journal and upcoming local events.
- Michael Dolacky
