The developer of the proposed Copper Mill mixed-use development in Davis Square released four new designs on Tuesday in response to criticism about the project’s scale from area residents and MassHousing, the state agency that must approve the development.
All of the options offer 500 units. One of the four options is 26 stories, the same number as in the original proposal. A second is 25 stories, a third has three tiers, ranging from 17 to 24 stories, and the fourth has interlocking buildings of 15, 23 and 24 stories. The retail podiums of the designs range from two to four levels.
Andrew Flynn, Copper Mill’s CEO, issued a statement that said in part “The spectrum of design concepts is intended to represent different composites based on the aggregated feedback that we have received.”
Since the designs were unveiled, reactions have been mixed, said Christopher Beland, vice president of the Davis Square Neighborhood Council (DSNC). Some residents have raised questions about what kind of shadows the new shapes will cast and how they will affect wind patterns in the area. Beland said Flynn told the DSNC Board that the project’s architect is working on shadow studies. Beland has also heard positive feedback regarding the new designs’ use of red brick, which he called “quintessentially Davis.”
On Monday, before the designs were released, Beland said the DSNC board discussed the possibility of lower tower heights with Flynn. Options discussed included 13- or 15-story structures built in an L or U shape, which would still include roughly 500 units. Flynn didn’t bite, Beland said, and he noted that residents who support a dense tower are generally opposed, as well. Flynn did not respond to a request for comment.
For some residents, there’s been enough debate. “This is as good as offers get, and we might yet let it slip away in a fight over the ‘neighborhood character’ of a fading, dilapidated square, and the aesthetics of the front brick,” said Mike Leukam, a homeowner in the Davis Square area.
The Copper Mill statement noted that the podiums and the pedestrian areas were redesigned to feature masonry and brick, “as requested by the community.” MassHousing’s permit review of the project had been paused in part for considerations of whether the project fit the context of the neighborhood.
In the statement, Flynn said his goal was to create transit-oriented housing (the project does not include parking), including affordable units, built by union construction labor. He said he would strive to keep existing retail tenants in the buildings the project will replace. It also will have rent-free retail spaces for small business owners.
Flynn had said he would release the new designs today while speaking at the Davis Square Neighborhood Council last night. Flynn remained afterward to discuss the project with residents.
Copper Mill has opened a development office at 235 Elm Street for people to come in and review the project in depth with people engaged in the project.
This story was updated to add comment from Davis Square residents.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.
I support the Copper Mill project and think the updated designs are a real step forward for Davis Square. Adding 500 new homes, including many affordable units, next to transit is exactly the kind of climate-conscious, pro-housing move this region needs. The commitments to union construction, keeping local businesses like the Burren, and providing rent-free space for small retailers show a real effort to share the benefits of growth.
People need homes. We have a housing crisis because we limited development. New homes will bring down prices. If you can’t support new homes right next to public transit, then you don’t support affordable housing.