The Brickbottom Artist Building stands as a cornerstone of Somerville's vibrant arts community. Completed in 1984, this five-story structure houses 155 units, offering a unique blend of living and working spaces for artists and creatives. Located in the Inner Belt neighborhood, the building's utilitarian design reflects its industrial past, while its interior buzzes with artistic energy. The conversion of this former industrial space into loft-style condominiums marked a significant moment in the area's transformation, creating a thriving community of artists and makers. With its rich history and creative atmosphere, Brickbottom has become an integral part of Somerville's cultural landscape, fostering collaboration and artistic expression for decades.
Versatile spaces for living and creating
Brickbottom offers a diverse range of living spaces, from cozy studios to expansive three-bedroom units. The smallest units start at 583 square feet, while the largest stretch to an impressive 3,098 square feet, providing ample room for both living and artistic pursuits. Studios, typically around 700 square feet, offer an open canvas for creative minds. One-bedroom units range from 583 to 2,066 square feet, with prices between $573,741 and $765,359, featuring flexible layouts that can accommodate both living and studio space. Two-bedroom units, spanning 831 to 3,098 square feet, are available for around $820,000, offering even more room for artistic endeavors. The three-bedroom units, ranging from 1,442 to 1,891 square feet, provide the most space for families or collaborative living arrangements, with prices around $1,000,000.
Many units boast distinctive features that cater to the artistic community. High ceilings, often reaching 10 feet or more, create an airy, loft-like atmosphere. Large windows flood the spaces with natural light, essential for artistic work. Some units feature exposed brick walls and concrete floors, maintaining the building's industrial character. Updated kitchens often include modern amenities like stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and spacious islands, perfect for both cooking and entertaining. Bathrooms in renovated units may feature spa-like amenities, including walk-in showers or soaking tubs. Many units also offer in-unit laundry facilities, adding convenience to daily life. The open floor plans prevalent throughout the building allow residents to customize their spaces to suit their unique needs, whether it's setting up a painting studio, a sculpture workshop, or a comfortable living area.
A community built around art and creativity
Brickbottom Artist Building offers a range of amenities that cater to its creative community. The crown jewel is the on-site art gallery, which hosts regular exhibits showcasing the work of resident artists and visiting creators. This space serves as a hub for the building's vibrant artistic community, fostering collaboration and inspiration. The annual Open Studios weekend is a highlight, allowing the public to explore the building and interact with the artists in their workspaces.
The building's shared spaces extend beyond the gallery. A landscaped common courtyard provides a serene outdoor retreat, perfect for relaxation or outdoor art projects. This award-winning garden offers a green oasis in the urban environment, with carefully tended plants and seating areas. The courtyard also serves as a venue for community gatherings and events, strengthening the bonds between residents.
For practical needs, Brickbottom offers secure underground parking, a valuable asset in an urban area. Elevators provide easy access to all floors, and there are ample storage spaces available for residents to keep their art supplies and materials. The building is managed by an on-site team, ensuring prompt attention to maintenance needs and fostering a sense of community among residents. Pet owners will appreciate the pet-friendly policies, allowing them to share their creative spaces with their furry companions.
The building features year-round art installations, adding to its artistic ambiance and providing additional exposure for the creative works produced within its walls.
A burgeoning arts district with urban conveniences
Brickbottom Artist Building is situated in Somerville's Inner Belt neighborhood, an area experiencing significant growth and transformation. The neighborhood's industrial past is giving way to a vibrant, mixed-use future, with the artist community at Brickbottom playing a central role in shaping its character.
Just a short distance away, Union Square has become a hub of activity, offering a diverse array of dining options, from the beloved Union Square Donuts to an eclectic mix of international cuisines. The square is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, providing a variety of shopping and entertainment options.
Assembly Row, located nearby, provides a more extensive shopping experience with its mix of outlet stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The area includes popular brands like Nike and Adidas, as well as a range of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
For everyday needs, residents have easy access to several grocery stores. A Target is conveniently located within walking distance, offering a wide range of household goods and groceries. For a more traditional grocery shopping experience, Star Market and Market Basket are both within a short drive or bus ride.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to several green spaces. The Zero New Washington Street Dog Park provides a place for four-legged friends to socialize, while Glen Park offers athletic fields, basketball courts, and a playground. The area also boasts several other parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
The neighborhood's evolving landscape includes new developments that are bringing additional amenities and services to the area, further enhancing its appeal and convenience for residents.
Well-connected with multiple transit options
Brickbottom Artist Building enjoys a location that offers residents multiple transportation options, making it easy to navigate both the immediate neighborhood and the greater Boston area. The area's high walk score reflects the ease with which residents can access many daily needs on foot, from grocery shopping to dining out.
Public transportation is readily available, with several bus stops in close proximity. The Mcgrath HWY & Medford St stop, just a five-minute walk away, serves multiple bus lines connecting to Arlington Center and Lechmere Station. For those heading towards Harvard Square, the Cambridge St & Sciarappa St bus stop is about a 10-minute walk.
The recent extension of the Green Line has significantly improved transit options for Brickbottom residents. Lechmere Station, serving the Green Line E branch, is approximately a 15-minute walk from the building. This provides direct access to downtown Boston and connections to other parts of the MBTA system. For those needing Orange Line service, Sullivan Square Station is about a 25-minute walk or a quick 5-minute drive. Red Line access is available at Kendall Station, also about a 25-minute walk or 5-minute drive.
Cyclists will appreciate the area's bike-friendly infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes and nearby paths providing safe routes for commuting or leisure rides.
For those who prefer to drive, Brickbottom's location provides easy access to major roadways. The building's underground parking ensures that residents have a secure place to keep their vehicles.
When air travel is necessary, residents benefit from the proximity to Logan International Airport, which is approximately 6 miles away. This convenience is particularly valuable for artists and professionals who may need to travel frequently for exhibitions or business.
The combination of walkable streets, robust public transit options, and easy access to major roadways makes Brickbottom an ideal location for those who value flexibility in their transportation choices. Whether commuting to work, exploring the city, or traveling further afield, residents have a variety of efficient options at their disposal.
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Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
89/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
84/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Gold Star Mothers Park
8 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Trails
Silva Park
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Glen Park
13 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Zero New Washington Street Dog Park
15 min walk
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Florence Playground
15 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Hurley Street Park
15 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Botanical Gardens
Ahern Field
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Lopez Costa Taylor Park
4 min drive
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Donnelly Field
4 min drive
Schools
Source:
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