Nauset Delivers 59-Unit Passive House Apartment to Somerville’s Union Square

Somerville — Nauset Construction recently completed the Phase II building of the Union 346 Apartments, located at 3 Hawkins Street, a 59-unit, transit-oriented apartment community in Union Square built to Passive House standards. This performance-based certification focuses on creating super-efficient building envelopes that significantly reduce energy use for heating and cooling, providing occupants with optimal comfort. Developed through a joint venture partnership between John M. Corcoran & Company (JMC), The Grossman Companies, Inc., and SMT Development, this project marks their second consecutive multifamily community in Union Square. Last year, Nauset completed the adjacent Phase I building of the Union 346 community, a 94-unit building with ground-floor retail. The adjacent buildings have a Walk Score of 97 and a Bike Score of 99 and are located within steps of restaurants, entertainment venues, and public transportation options, including the new Green Line Extension.

“The Passive House design of the Phase II building at Union 346 reflects our commitment to sustainability while addressing the need for transit-oriented, market-rate, and affordable housing in Somerville,” said Tim Corcoran of JMC.

Designed by ICON Architecture, the development has revitalized this residential neighborhood by replacing two distressed structures. The building features four levels of wood-framed construction over a steel and concrete-framed podium, housing 59 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with 11 units designated as affordable. The building’s exterior facade is comprised of brick at the ground level and a combination of fiber cement lap siding and panels at the upper levels. Casement windows and an aluminum storefront provide ample natural light for the residences, while a sustainable TPO membrane roof completes the building envelope.

Amenities at Phase II of Union 346 include a community space with work-from-home pods, a rooftop deck with garden plantings, a sky bar, and a seating area offering spectacular views of the Boston skyline. The fifth-floor units feature private walk-out patios, and several of the units on the lower floors are adorned with balconies. Residents also enjoy parking for 59 bicycles and on-grade parking for 15 vehicles, as well as EV charging stations. In addition, residents of both buildings benefit from shared building amenities. Phase I of Union 346 offers a fitness room, bike storage and repair station, dog washing station, lounge with a kitchen and fireplace, and a roof deck featuring a fire pit, garden planters, and views of the Boston skyline. Union 346 also features an on-site backyard-style patio, complete with cooking grills and furniture. In collaboration with the City of Somerville, the project team also designed and constructed a publicly accessible park at the rear of the site that provides open green space for the community to enjoy. Both buildings are professionally managed by John M. Corcoran & Company.

Union 346 roof deck featuring a fire pit, and views of the Boston skyline.