Client Challenge | Before the Red Line MBTA line was developed, the City of Somerville created a thirty-year master plan for Davis Square. Over the years—thanks in part to the train—Davis Square has developed into a beloved neighborhood in Somerville. The central challenge for this project was to update the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan to enable the continued success of this unique place over the course of the next forty years, and continue to support the City's vision, Somervision. 

Team Approach | Principle worked closely with the City's Planning Department to create a community-led planning process for the neighborhood. Working collaboratively, the process started with crowdsourcing, vision meetings, and an interactive three-day charrette. Tactical interventions such as Parking Lot to Plaza helped the community test several ideas in the real world, and overcome hurdles of perception. Over time, more specific meetings and workshops were held to pinpoint design guidelines, character, and zoning-related topics. In it's final phase, Principle helped the City to produce maps, drawings, and graphics to finalize the Neighborhood Plan.  

Project Impact | The Davis Square Neighborhood Plan public process provided proof-of-concept that a more experiential Somerville by Design approach was the right one. The tactical methods and interactive charrette process showcased the Planning Department's commitment to quality community engagement. Our experiential approach led to neighbors pushing the City even further, to begin looking in greater depth at pedestrian-oriented planning.

Location
Davis Square

Client
City of Somerville

Year
2013-2020

Team
Principle
Street Plans
Gehl Architects
Utile
Hurley Franks & Associates
RCLCO
Toole Design Group
Urban Advantage

Disciplines
Urban Design
Planning
Tactical Urbanism

More Info
Somerville By Design Website