Two residential projects have been proposed in Watertown, south of the Charles River and another in a vacant site on Mt. Auburn Street. The projects are among the first that would be built the new Watertown Square Zoning districts created so the City would comply with the MBTA Communities Law.
The first project in the new zones was a five-unit residential building at 75 Spring St., which is located in the WSQ1 zoning, which allows 3+ story (four stories with a stepped back fourth story) projects. It was presented to the Planning Board in April. The projects on Water Street and Mt. Auburn Street have dozens of units, and are five and six stories, respectively.
The projects in the WSQ1, 2, and 3 zones can be built by-right under the MBTA Communities Law zoning. Any housing project that fits the zoning requirements could not be denied the City’s Planning and Zoning boards but the boards would still have input on the design of the building.
108 Water St.
A five-story residential project has been proposed to go on Water Street,
The project at 108 Water St. would have 52 housing units, in a 4+ story project. The project is in the WSQ2 Zone, which allows for 4+ stories — a five story building with the top story stepped back.
The apartments include: 9 studios, 31 one bedrooms, 11 two bedrooms, and one three bedroom. The project will have 77 parking spaces. The plans show 15 percent open space on the property, which is above the requirement of 10 percent.
A community meeting will be held on Sept. 15, 2025 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hibernian Hall 151 Watertown St. The meeting will also be available online at https://bit.ly/108-water-st (note: if typing, use all lowercase).
The project team from WSQ Development LLC will make the presentation about the existing site, conditions and redevelopment plans. There will be time for the community to ask questions, provide comments, and learn more about the project and development process.
See the project plans by clicking here. The project contact is Julian Bradley Lewis julian@eaglebrookcapital.com.
33 Mt. Auburn St.
Plans for a six-story, mixed residential and commercial building at 33 Mt. Auburn St. have been filed with the City of Watertown. The property zoned for WSQ3 is located at the corner of Taylor Street, between the Verizon Store and Halva Mediterranean Grill.
The property has been vacant for more than a decade. In 2018 a plan was approved to put 15 condos on the land that once was home to former Port Oil. At that time the land had been vacant for several years.
The project proposed by Torrington Properties would have 40 housing units in the five stories that would sit above the ground-floor commercial space. The top story would be stepped back, and the plan show 2,590 sq. ft. of commercial space.
The proposal calls for 14 one bedrooms and 26 two bedrooms, 20 parking spaces, and would have 9 percent open space.
See the plans for 33 Mt. Auburn St. by clicking here.
Any information on who is leading the community meetings and the format or structure of these meetings? Or should I just contact the project contact for both projects? Given that these projects are in the Square, and abutting businesses they have a lot of impact for all residents, not just neighborhoods with “character” preferences. I am sick of looking at the pit on 33 Mt Auburn St, and am surprised that nothing have ever jumped out when I walk by. I also don’t like driving by the blight that is 108 Water St. 72 Mt Auburn St could also use some redevelopment.
The meetings are led by the developers, so they would be the best contact.