Somerville’s Davis Square gets a “Glow Up” this Summer

This summer, you may have noticed that Davis Square has more color, a few more places to sit, and a lot more reason to stop and enjoy. 

On Friday, August 21, the City of Somerville will celebrate the Davis Square’s “summer glow up” with a ribbon cutting from 4:30 to 5 p.m., directly before the Down in Davis: Alive at Five performance at Statue Park. The event will mark the completion of recent public space improvements in the square, including the activation of the Davis Square Slip Lane and new placemaking art at Statue Park.

Designed by the City’s Public Space & Urban Forestry team and installed with help from the Department of Public Works, the updates aim to make Davis Square more welcoming and comfortable for residents, visitors, workers, and shoppers. The effort is also designed to support the small businesses, restaurants, arts venues, and gathering places that make the square one of Somerville’s most active neighborhood centers. Residents and business owners have worked to activate the area with musical performances, both planned and spontaneous. 

“Davis Square has always had the ingredients that make a neighborhood feel alive: food, music, transit, public art, open space, small businesses, and people coming together,” said Mayor Wilson. “This project builds on that energy with more color, comfort, and places to gather. In this Year of the Neighbor, it’s a great example of how the City and community can work together to help an already beloved third space shine even brighter.”

What’s New at Slip Lane + Statue Park 

The Slip Lane (in front of Mike’s restaurant) has been transformed into an inviting community space featuring a vibrant asphalt mural installed by Boston-based artist and muralist Massiel Grullón, enhanced seating options, native pollinator plants, and string lights to encourage use into the evening.

At Statue Park, the City is installing a new art piece fabricated by Somerville-based Black Cat Labs to strengthen the identity of the square and provide photo opportunities to visitors. The area’s banners have also been updated to reflect the sense of place. 

“Davis Square is, and always has been, a fantastic place to spend time, do your shopping, and bump into your neighbors for a quick chat,” said Ward Six City Councilor Lance Davis, who is also the City Council President. “I’m thrilled with these investments from both the city and our community to help keep Davis Square the vibrant heartbeat of our city.” 

The project is part of Somerville’s ongoing work to improve public spaces, support neighborhood business districts, and create more inviting places for people to gather across the city.

“The glow up of Davis Square is about more than adding color,” said Luisa Oliveira, Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry. “It is about creating vibrant squares to gather, adding shade and comfort for people to do so, and helping people feel welcome in the square. Business owners, gardeners, artists, volunteer neighbors, and City staff all helped make this happen, and that community effort is what makes the project special.”

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov. 

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.