Former Somerville Recording Studio Redeveloped into Sustainable Apartment Community

By Veronica Grecu, Associate Editor

Real estate development company Nauset Construction of Needham has completed a new smart-growth, multifamily community in Somerville, within walking distance of the lively Davis Square. Named Seven Cameron, the project was constructed on the site of the former Rounder Records and Fort Apache recording studios, which has been used by world-famous rock bands such as Radiohead and the Pixies to record music tracks.

As reported by the Boston Business Journal, the long-vacant property was purchased in 2010 by Cambridge developer Oaktree Development LLC for $2.96 million. Oaktree Development subsequently invested another $11 million to clean up the site and start the construction project.

The four-story transit-oriented community was designed by Somerville-based Davis Square Architects in conjunction with several architects of Oaktree Development as a LEED certifiable complex and was constructed using a combination of wood and steel framing.

With rents ranging from $2,400 to $3,000, Seven Cameron’s 37 market rate rental apartments—a mix of one- and two-bedroom units with underground parking—are almost fully occupied. Each apartment features flexible floor plans, high ceilings and energy-saving amenities such as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, energy efficient fiberglass windows, low-VOC and formaldehyde-free interior finishes, Energy Star appliances and water-saving fixtures. Residents at Seven Cameron have access to a fitness room, a community room with kitchenette and fireplace, roof decks and extra storage spaces.

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Rendering of Seven Cameron via Oaktree Development LLC; chart courtesy of Marcus & Millichap