Union Square development in Somerville could advance under new partnership

A 15-acre, 2.4 million-square-foot development in Somerville’s Union Square could advance under a new partnership for a part of the project.

Boston-based developer Skanska USA wants to co-develop a seven-story lab building at the site, per the Globe’s Tim Logan. That would be the first building in the entire project, one that has been on the proverbial drawing board for years. Skanska’s entry could jumpstart it.

Chicago-based US2, the project’s current (solo) developer, wants to open the first phase of the project in 2021—around the same time as a new Green Line stop is expected to roll into Union Square. That first phase would include three buildings, including the lab building and a 450-unit apartment tower.

The lab building still needs the necessary approvals, and US2 is negotiating with local residents re: the benefits of the project overall. Stay tuned. If it does come to fruition, who knows—it might be the next Kendall Square.