Southie Park
The water’s edge is an important asset to Boston’s public realm and economic prosperity. The proposal sits at the intersection of disparate adjacencies: luxury residences and tech offices emerging in Seaport and historic triple-deckers in South Boston, which cause issues of housing affordability due to their limited living configurations and high real estate values. As South Boston becomes a desirable neighborhood with its proximity to the Seaport district and walkability to many parks and beaches, the neighborhood risks displacement of its residents due to rent increases. The site, situated on a 125-acreunderutilized industrial land, shows a valuable opportunity for a mixed-use and mixed-income development.
The proposed Southie Park transforms the waterfront of the South Boston neighborhood into a lively destination with a diverse array of recreational experiences and new proposed ferry stops linking the residents to the water. The proposal consists of residential functions that are anchored by public uses such as an arts & performance center and market hall as well as a variety of open spaces that are placed strategically based on their economic, leisure and ecological opportunities.
Waterfront as public asset:
While sustaining the existing industries that are dependent on water access, such as the adjacent Conley Terminal to the east of the site, the development attempts to be more inclusive and resilient. Along the waterfront, a series of mitigation strategies such as the raising of ground elevation, buffering the edges with rip rap and the restoration of natural wetlands are proposed. Programs such as a ferry station, outdoor dining for restaurants, a kayak launch, and a jogging and biking path help generate new jobs, promote healthy lifestyles, and mitigate coastal flooding and sea level.
Industrial as mixed-use anchor:
The arts & performance center alone can draw residents from across the city and state to visit the local, national and international art exhibitions offered. Additional programs such as an auditorium, artist studios/makerspace, gift shops, and private event rooms can also generate newforms of revenue for the center while diversifying the program and experience of the space.
Activated streetscape:
By incorporating food stations, light retail and flexible furniture around public transit stops and sidewalks, streetscapes instantly become activated. Sidewalks, typically used as corridors to move from one area to another, transform into points of interests and public engagement.
Courtyards as nuclei of the community:
Courtyards are an essential asset to the formation of community, bringing life and activity within the boundaries of the private realm. As each courtyard contains a unique set of recreational amenities, relationships and bonds between neighbors is formed and strengthened.
