Shawmut Design and Construction celebrates topping off on Rafi Properties’ life sciences hub

Somerville, MA Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading $1.3 billion national construction management firm, joined real estate investment, development, and asset management firm Rafi Properties (Rafi) to commemorate the steel topping off milestone at 599 Somerville Ave., a new innovation hub of workspaces for life science, tough tech, and research and development.

Set to be completed in early 2024, the 43,200 s/f, three-story building, designed by Studio TROIKA, will offer LEED Platinum, class-A space for the growing ecosystem of tough tech companies looking to expand and locate in the evolving innovation hub of Somerville.

"As we celebrate the steel topping off at 599 Somerville Ave., we not only reach a milestone in construction but also lay the foundation for a new era of innovation. This vibrant building, born from the collaboration between Shawmut and the Rafi team, will soon become a haven for pioneers,” said Michael Schumacher, senior director of commercial for Shawmut's New England Region. “When completed, we will witness the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and progress in the heart of Somerville—a testament to a shared commitment with our partners to build spaces that contribute to the fabric of our communities.”

Intended as a neighborhood main street building that is lab and R&D-ready, 599 Somerville Avenue will provide moderate floor plate sizes for growing tough tech companies. The building has been designed to prioritize flexible, day-lit tenant spaces, and an active ground floor that engages pedestrians along Somerville Avenue, as well as one story of underground parking.