Projects — POAH Communities
Clarendon Hill
Overview
Team
Architect ICON Architecture
Owner POAH Communities
Building
Location Somerville, MA
Type New Construction, Modular Construction, Podium Affordable Housing, Market Rate Housing, Wood Framed, 5/1 Podium, Mass Housing, LIHTC, Passive House
Awards
ENR NE Best Projects Winner Interior/Tenant Improvement

Clarendon Hill
Building E, D, & Townhomes
The Clarendon Hill redevelopment is a transformative, multi-phase initiative that is reshaping a historic Somerville neighborhood into a vibrant, sustainable, mixed-income community. Encompassing 330,788 square feet of new construction, this project features Building E, Building D, and four townhouse buildings, creating 260 affordable apartment homes The redevelopment of Clarendon Hill Building E includes the modular construction of a 9-story, steel-framed high-rise that will house 168 residential units, shared community areas, and recreation facilities. Preconstruction required the abatement and demolition of three existing buildings, originally built in 1948, to make way for the new 213,000 SF structure. Comprised of steel and lightweight concrete, Clarendon Hill’s prefabricated modules will reside atop a post-tensioned concrete podium and offer both cost and energy savings throughout the construction process. In collaboration with a European modular expert, Dellbrook will leverage the benefits of this off-site building technology to maintain affordability for our non-profit client, and in turn, Clarendon Hill Building E's residents.
Beyond the environmental advantages of its construction technique, Clarendon Hill Building E, a truly sustainable structure, will also achieve LEED Platinum certification. Construction will take place alongside six occupied surrounding buildings, with considerations that prioritize the occupants’ convenience and safety. Work also includes the creation of green space along with several bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular pathways.
The Clarendon Hill Building D & Townhomes project is a major component of the ongoing redevelopment of the Clarendon Hill neighborhood in Somerville, replacing aging barracks-style housing with modern, energy-efficient affordable housing.
The development includes Building D, a 63,723 SF wood-framed 5-over-1 podium residential building containing 58 apartment units and a 10,565 SF structured parking garage, along with four townhouse-style buildings totaling approximately 43,500 SF and providing an additional 34 units. Together, the project delivers 92 new affordable residential units. The work includes extensive site redevelopment, utility infrastructure improvements, landscaping, and site amenities, requiring careful coordination within an active urban neighborhood. Upon completion, the project will provide modern, Passive House-certified housing while supporting POAH’s mission of creating vibrant, sustainable communities and advancing the long-term transformation of the Clarendon Hill neighborhood.
