December 2023: To support local businesses and celebrate the season, US2 is proud to sponsor the 9th Annual Union Square Main Streets Holiday Stroll. We joined in the festivities by decorating our storefront—featuring our favorite Holiday Robot—to help bring energy, joy, and foot traffic to the neighborhood during this beloved community tradition.

December 2023: In December 2023, US2 introduced a new Bluebikes station to the neighborhood, adding another convenient and sustainable transportation option for Union Square residents, workers, and visitors. This addition supports local mobility and connects the community to the broader regional bike share network.

December 2023: In December 2023, US2 hosted its third annual USQ Holiday Give—a community-wide effort to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC). Thanks to the generosity of local residents, businesses, and organizations, over 800 pounds of food and essential supplies were collected and delivered to SHC. In parallel, more than $7,000 in direct contributions were raised—enough to help provide up to 700 meals for food-insecure individuals and families.

November 2023: As part of its commitment to equitable development, US2 made a $517,000 contribution to Somerville’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Q4 2023. This is the first of three planned housing linkage payments, totaling $1,552,000 over the next two years.

November 2023: As part of its workforce development commitments, US2 has contributed a total of $475,000 to Somerville’s Job Creation & Retention Trust through jobs linkage payments. The most recent payment was made in Q4 2023, helping to fund programs that expand access to employment opportunities and support a resilient local workforce.

October 2023: US2 collaborated with local art curator Susan Berstler, recommended by the Somerville Arts Council, to bring the work of Somerville-based artists into the shared spaces at Prospect Union Square. The newly installed pieces add vibrancy and local character to the building’s common areas.

October 2023: US2 has substantially completed the permanent infrastructure improvements that support the Union Square MBTA Station.

October 2023: US2 marked a major milestone in the Union Square Revitalization with the substantial completion of landscape and hardscape improvements at Union Square Station Plaza—now the largest public space in Union Square.

September 2023: In partnership with the Somerville Arts Council, US2 commissioned a new public art mural for 10 Prospect through a competitive call to local artists. After receiving over a dozen submissions, the mural “Restoration” by local artist Sophy Tuttle was selected for its powerful message and visual impact.

September 2023: US2 proudly sponsored the Fluff Festival for the 10th consecutive year, continuing our commitment to supporting Union Square’s small businesses and community traditions. This year, we added to the festivities with a prize wheel that gave festivalgoers the chance to win Union Square-themed goodies—including gift cards to local favorites like Taqueria Picante, The Independent, and Maprang Bakery; Somerville Chocolate bars; Green Line passes; coloring books; tote bags; and more.

August 2023: US2 partnered with local illustrator Stephanie Vecellio to create the second edition of our Scenes from Somerville coloring book, celebrating the character and charm of eight beloved Union Square businesses: Bow Market, Play Union, Hub Comics, Mota, Neighborhood Restaurant, The Independent, Union Square Donuts, and Tiny Turns Paperie.

July 2023: In July, US2 welcomed high school and college students from the Sasaki Foundation’s 2023 Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) program for an immersive visit to the USQ project.

June 2023: As part of the final completion of the 10 Prospect life sciences building, US2 made a $155,000 Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) payment to the City of Somerville. This brings the total CBA contributions for the Union Square Revitalization Project to $777,000 to date. In addition, US2 has provided over $980,000 in linkage and supplemental contributions to support local priorities such as job creation, affordable housing, sustainability, and infrastructure improvements.

June 2023: US2 proudly sponsored the 6th Annual Good Food For All campaign at the Union Square Main Streets Farmers Market—an initiative that raises awareness and funds for the local SNAP match program, helping to create a more inclusive and accessible market for all.

Spring 2023: As part of our workforce development efforts, US2 welcomed a senior from Somerville High School’s CTE (Career and Technical Education) program for a six-week spring internship. Designed to spark curiosity and career exploration, the co-op experience offered a diverse look into the world of real estate development.

May 2023: US2 proudly sponsored Arts at the Armory’s annual gala on May 11, 2023—an inspiring celebration of Somerville’s vibrant creative community. The event featured dynamic performances, honored local cultural leaders, and brought people together over great food and drink. We were excited to share our tickets with two deserving local arts supporters, helping more community members take part in this special evening.

April 2023: To celebrate Earth Day in April, US2 partnered with Rococo Floral (Bow Market) to hand out small flower pots to MBTA riders at the Union Square Station—a simple gesture to brighten commutes and promote sustainability in our community.

March 2023: As part of our commitment to education and workforce development, US2 sponsored the Somerville Council of PTAs’ Game Show Night on March 31—a fun, community-driven event that raised scholarship funds for Somerville High School seniors. We also supported the promotion of a GLX-themed T-shirt fundraiser, organized by the school to benefit the same scholarship program. Together, these efforts helped invest in the future of Somerville’s students.

March 2023: As part of our commitment to workforce development and education, US2 partnered with Prospect Hill Academy Charter School to host a special visit for over 60 kindergarteners in March. The students, who were learning about building and engineering, toured our offices and explored the 10–50 Prospect project and the broader USQ master plan—getting an early look at how cities grow and change through design and development.

February 2023: In collaboration with design team member Ground Inc, USQ took advantage of a work holiday to tour Architectural Design students from Cushing Academy throughout the 50 Prospect building site. Their program exposes students to the most innovative and sustainable building projects in Boston, and we are thankful we could be their first stop.