Davis (MBTA station)

Davis (MBTA station) is a rapid transit station on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line, located in the Davis Square neighborhood of Somerville, Massachusetts. Named for Massachusetts Governor John Davis, it serves as a major transportation hub for Tufts University, Somerville High School, and a dense commercial and residential district. The station opened in December 1984 as the northwestern terminus of the Red Line extension to Alewife, replacing several bus routes and significantly altering transit patterns in the region.

History

The station's construction was a central component of the Red Line extension to Alewife, a project mandated by a 1973 court order to mitigate automotive pollution as part of the Clean Air Act. Planning and community negotiations, involving the City of Somerville and the Mystic View Task Force, were protracted due to concerns over urban renewal and displacement in Davis Square. The station opened on December 8, 1984, catalyzing rapid commercial and residential development that transformed the area from a declining streetcar suburb into a vibrant urban village. A major renovation project began in 2019, led by the MBTA and Skanska USA, focusing on accessibility, structural repairs, and modernizing station systems, with full completion achieved in early 2024.

Station layout

Davis is an underground station with two side platforms serving the two tracks of the Red Line. The main entrance pavilion, designed by the architectural firm Cambridge Seven Associates, is located at the intersection of College Avenue and Holland Street, featuring a distinctive glass and steel canopy. A secondary entrance exists on Herbert Street, improving pedestrian flow. The mezzanine level contains fare gates, a Customer Service booth, and connects to the Davis Square plaza. The station's original design incorporated extensive public art, including the iconic tile mural Davis Squared by David Fichter and a kinetic sculpture by George Rhoads.

Accessibility

The station was not originally ADA-accessible, a key driver for its comprehensive renovation. The modernization project added three new elevators: one at the College Avenue entrance, one at the Herbert Street entrance, and one connecting the mezzanine to each platform. All platforms were rebuilt with detectable warning strips, and new, wider fare gates were installed to improve access. The upgrades were completed to meet MBTA standards and federal guidelines under the Federal Transit Administration.

Connections

Davis functions as a major bus transfer point, served by several MBTA bus routes: the 87, 88, 89, 90, and 96. The station includes a 500-space park-and-ride garage and secured bicycle parking. It is a primary transit node for Tufts University, connected via the 94 and 96 buses, and for the Somerville Community Path, which provides a direct active transportation link to Alewife station and the Minuteman Bikeway.

In popular culture

The station and Davis Square have been featured in several films and television series, notably serving as a filming location for scenes in Good Will Hunting and The Town. The station's distinctive tiled archways and the bustling square above are frequently used to establish a Boston-area setting. It is also referenced in the music of local bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and in literature, including novels by Dennis Lehane and Chuck Hogan.

Category:MBTA Red Line stations Category:Railway stations in Middlesex County, Massachusetts Category:Buildings and structures in Somerville, Massachusetts Category:Railway stations opened in 1984 Category:Transportation in Somerville, Massachusetts