January 10th–June 9th 2024
64 Union Square, Somerville, MA
To test ideas for a future community center, CultureHouse Union Square transformed a vacant storefront in the main square into a five-month pop-up community space. Working alongside the Union Square Neighborhood Council, this free-to-enter intergenerational pop-up was a public space pilot, a living room for the community, a resource center, and an arts, culture, and business incubator.
What happened
From January 10th to June 9th, 64 Union Square was transformed into a space for the community with various kinds of programming, including performances, local vendors, art workshops, office hours with City Councilors, community group meet-ups, documentary nights, game nights, and so much more! Over the 110 days we were open, we hosted over 100 events and had over 3,000 visitors.
| By the numbers |
|---|
| 3,114 – total visitors |
| 29 – average visitors per day |
| 1 hour or more – average length of stay |
| 124 – events hosted |
| Visitors |
|---|
| 68% – met someone new at the pop-up |
| 45% – Union Square residents |
| 20% – new Union Square residents (0–2 years) |
| 85% – felt it was important to have more spaces like the pop-up in Union Square |
Impacts
Systemically marginalized communities found a comfortable, welcoming, and safe space to connect over shared identity
At the pop-up, we saw community members looking for a space where they could meet others like them and established groups looking to make space centered around shared identity. We created a safe space for these people to feel comfortable in their identities and bond with others.
People formed relationships across differences
The pop-up created opportunities for people to interact with others they might not have otherwise. These interactions were spurred by the warm and welcoming nature of the space, the lack of barriers to entry, and the consistent presence of local organizations.
The Union Square community retained its identity in the midst of neighborhood change
CultureHouse Union Square created a unique opportunity for both newer and longer-term residents to find belonging in the same physical space. By co-designing with a diverse set of residents, the pop-up allowed many different groups to take collective ownership.
Impact report
We have analyzed the data, conversations, observations, and experiences and combined our learnings and recommendations into an impact report. The report also provides a model for the Union Square Neighborhood Council to advocate for a future community center in the Union Square neighborhood.
Community meeting
On November 30th, 2023, we hosted a hybrid community meeting on Zoom and at CultureHouse HQ. This meeting was attended by people who live, work, and frequently visit Union Square. We shared updates about the project and engaged in a design activity to learn about everyone’s ideal day at the pop-up! Check out the link below to see what was discussed and hear the amazing ideas we heard from the community.
Advisory group
Over the next few months, we will work closely with a team of local artists, residents, institutions, and businesses to give us feedback on the project and steer its direction.
Carven Boursiquot
Resident, homeowner, artist/creative, Carven Creative Media
Jennifer Park
Resident, homeowner
Lotus Martinez
Resident, renter, artist/creative
W Gavin Robb
Architect, Educator, Activist
Emma Lee
Resident, renter
Joshua Williams
Three-year resident of Somerville
Suhail Purkar
Resident, renter
Union Square Main Streets
Jessica Eshleman, Executive Director
Michael Robles, Small Business Liaison
Kait Stinchcomb, ARPA Managing Director
Gonzalo Puigbo
CEO Somerville Community Corporation
Monia Fernandez
Business owner, MOTA Fitness, Wellness & Spaces
Tammi Chen
Resident, renter
Union Square Neighborhood Council
Ann Camara
Isabella Drago
Michèle Hansen
Partners
