Many of the first Somerville apartments built in the city were triple-deckers, and they still form a strong part of the landscape today. These classic three-story homes sit side by side on narrow lots near familiar intersections such as Ball Square and alongside streets branching from Highland Avenue. Their stacked porches, pitched roofs, and wood siding give entire blocks a recognizable look. Many of these long-standing properties are updated, including new siding, refinished porches, and fresh paint that keeps them active in today’s housing inventory. They anchor the city’s visual identity and remain a strong part of the overall housing stock.