Somernova Officially Signs Landmark Community Benefits and Project Labor Agreements for Tough Tech Campus Expansion
For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Susan Elsbree, Somernova
media@somernova.com
617-212-6817
Somernova Officially Signs Landmark Community Benefits and Project Labor Agreements for Tough Tech Campus Expansion
CBA and PLA Signing Marks a Milestone for the Future of Somerville’s Arts & Innovation Economies
June 16, 2025 – SOMERVILLE, MA – Rafi Properties, owner and operator of the Somernova innovation campus, is proud to announce the official signing of the Somernova Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and a first of its kind Project Labor Agreement (PLA)—marking a major step forward for arts and innovation ecosystem and equitable, community-driven development in Somerville’s Union Square.
Fueled by the Arts & Innovation Subarea zoning, Somernova’s expansion envisions 1.5 million square feet of cutting-edge R&D and commercial space and housing to support the next wave of climate and tough tech innovators. Integrated into a vibrant ecosystem of arts and music, local retail, housing, childcare, civic space, and a community center, this expansion will cement Somernova as a global launchpad for companies incubated at and emerging from trailblazers like Greentown Labs and The Engine—positioning Somerville at the forefront of solving the world’s toughest challenges.
Passed through a neighborhood vote with overwhelming 71% of community support, the agreement ensures that Somernova’s proposed expansion will deliver lasting, tangible benefits to the residents, workers and businesses of Somerville. The CBA represents the result of over two years of deep collaboration between Rafi Properties and Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC), and was shaped by meaningful input from Arts Stays Here, Somernova tenants, The Dojo partners and Somerville youth, residents, artists, and local leaders. The CBA includes significant commitments such as:
Over 100,000 square feet of arts and music space including three new independent music venues, affordable, purpose-built, long-term music rehearsal/recording studios, galleries and artists studios
A fully funded, turnkey community center, The Dojo
Union jobs, fair wages, equitable labor practices, and job training
Green and open public space, including two new parks
Housing (with affordability targets), and childcare facilities
Financial contributions to local housing, jobs and small business organizations
A shared vision for sustainability and inclusive innovation
At the same time, a Project Labor Agreement with the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Shawmut Design and Construction has been executed for Somernova. This marks a groundbreaking commitment to union labor, fair wages, local hiring, and equitable labor practices throughout the buildout of the 7.4-acre campus.
“These agreements reflect what’s possible when development is truly community-led,” said Kristin Phelan, VP of Real Estate at Rafi Properties/Somernova. “We’re grateful to the Union Square Neighborhood Council, the Building Trades, the Carpenters, Arts Stays Here and our tenants for their partnership and shared commitment to Somerville’s future. This is a blueprint for how we can help early stage and venture backed companies grow creatively, sustainably, and equitably—with artists, workers and residents at the center of it all.”
“The signing of the Project Labor Agreement and Community Benefits Agreement for Somernova is a historic occasion,” said Mayor of Somerville Katjana Ballantyne. “Somernova marks the first private development project in Somerville to secure consensus between the trades and a developer on a PLA. The CBA and PLA signify that Somernova’s proposed expansion will deliver lasting, tangible benefits to the residents, workers, and businesses of Somerville.”
“In Somerville, committing to union labor through a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) means investing in families, neighborhoods, and opportunity—but it doesn’t happen without the incredible solidarity and support between community, labor, government, and lifting up responsible business practices,” said Chaton Green, Business Agent, Greater Boston Building Trades Unions. “Together, we’re ensuring local hiring, fair wages, and real career pathways that strengthen our economy and create lasting benefits — supporting our community. This is how we build stronger, more equitable communities — with good union jobs and shared commitment.”
“This is a historic moment for community organizing and direct democracy in our City,” said Ethan Dussault and Emily Doran, of the Union Square Neighborhood Council’s CBA Negotiating Team. “This is about buying into our community. Where the city rules, regulations and requirements leave off, the CBA picks up, resulting in benefits that will serve the whole Somerville community. The Union Square Neighborhood Council is incredibly proud of this accomplishment.”
“Innovative thinking and a spirit of cooperation have resulted in a comprehensive way forward for this project and this community,” said Mike Kearns, chief operating officer for Shawmut Design and Construction’s New England region. “Working with local community partners and labor will result in a more successful development here, and we’re proud to contribute to its future.”
“This is a gigantic win for arts and music in Somerville,” said Ami Bennitt, Volunteer Founder, Arts Stays Here. “And it’s also a gigantic win for Somerville, period. There’s arts, music, housing, parks, traffic mitigation, and the opportunity for Somerville to continue claiming investment in climate tech-- which is good for everyone.”
With the CBA and PLA now finalized, Somernova sets a bold precedent for how community, labor, and private enterprise can come together to deliver meaningful, future-focused urban development.
Somerville’s Land Use Committee is expected to vote on the Central Somerville Avenue zoning amendments, including the Arts & Innovation Subarea, at their upcoming meeting on June 17th. If passed, the zoning amendments will then go before the Somerville City Council for a vote on June 26th.
