Once an industrial hub. Now, Assembly stands as a testament to revitalization.
Assembly Square is a vibrant neighborhood. It sits along the Mystic River’s west bank. It is bordered by Ten Hills and Route 28 to the north. Charlestown, Boston, lies to the south. Interstate 93 marks the district’s western edge.
Just 2.5 miles from downtown Boston, this 143-acre area has a rich history. The name Assembly comes from a former Ford Motor Company plant. That plant closed its doors in 1958.
Assembly’s early days saw little activity. The Mystic River’s southern bank was marshy. Settlers avoided it because of poor drainage. Ten Hills offered better farmland. John Winthrop, Massachusetts’ first governor, chose it for his farm. The Mystic River was ideal for transport. The first seagoing vessel in the region launched from Ten Hills.
Trade expanded the area’s economy. The Middlesex Canal’s construction sped up growth. By the early 1800s, ten shipyards lined the Mystic River. Rail transport surpassed the canal in efficiency. Two railroads opened across Somerville. A station at Sullivan Square further boosted development.
Full industrial development came later. The McGrath Highway’s construction in 1925 spurred growth. Ford built an assembly plant in 1926. The plant eventually gave Assembly Square its name. The Boston and Maine Railroad owned land with spur tracks. Strong transport links attracted other industries. First National Stores opened a grocery center.
Assembly Square thrived for 30 years. However, the Ford Assembly Plant closed in 1958. The Edsel Division’s failure led to changes in Ford’s strategy. This closure devastated the area. Hundreds lost jobs. Empty manufacturing buildings dotted the landscape. First National moved into the Assembly Plant site.
Industries moved to the suburbs by the late 1950s. Land costs were lower there. Interstate 93’s construction segregated the area. Access and visibility decreased. First National closed in 1976. Assembly Square ceased to be a major industrial center.
Redevelopment efforts began in 1979. The city declared Assembly Square blighted. They adopted the Assembly Square Revitalization Plan. The area shifted to retail. The former auto plant became Assembly Square Mall. The shopping center opened with Kmart and Jordan Marsh as anchors. A six-screen movie theater and an office building also opened.
Home Depot arrived in 1992. It brought a big-box store to the area. Macy’s acquired Jordan Marsh. The store shuttered in 1997. By 1999, only Kmart and Building 19 remained.
The Mystic View Task Force formed in 1998. They advocated for community interests. They envisioned a pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development. It could provide open space and diverse jobs.
IKEA purchased waterfront sites in 1999. Community members challenged the permits. They opposed a big-box use on the waterfront. Redevelopment stalled.
In 2000, the Somerville Redevelopment Authority acquired a railroad parcel. The city initiated public planning. They envisioned a 24-hour mixed-use district. Assembly Square was rezoned.
Federal Realty Investment Trust purchased the Assembly Square Mall in 2005. They redeveloped it into Assembly Square Marketplace.
Mayor Joseph Curtatone brought FRIT and IKEA together. They agreed to a land swap. IKEA moved inland. FRIT created a pedestrian-friendly development.
After a decade of planning, IKEA pulled out in 2012. FRIT purchased IKEA’s land. They broke ground for apartments and a transit station.
Today, Assembly boasts retail outlets and restaurants. It offers residential and office space. A cinema and hotel add to the attractions. A marina and waterfront park provide recreation. The MBTA Orange Line serves the area.
Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park graces the north side. FRIT has committed to building a pedestrian underpass. This will connect Baxter Park to the Somerville side.
Assembly’s transformation embodies Somerville’s energy. It blends neighborhood flavors. It is a place where the soul of the city shines.