Jackson Square Greenway

Jamaica Plain, MA

45,316

square feet of vacant land repurposed

680

linear feet of new bike path

1,000+

local residents participated in community meetings

The redevelopment and transformation of Jackson Square involves 11.2 acres of largely vacant public and privately owned land where the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury communities meet. The three-phased master plan includes the construction of 438 units of housing, 61,200 square feet of ground floor retail space, 66,500 square feet of community facilities and a 13,400 square foot youth treatment facility for the Department of Youth Services. As many as 1,000 residents have participated in more than 10 years of community-based planning efforts relating to this development—the aim being, “a vibrant and healthy home and destination where youth and adults of all races and income levels have abundant opportunities for affordable homes, sustainable work, learning, exercise and play.”

DMLA’s design process culminated in the proposed development of a new 27,000 square foot bold linear park and place making destination, Jackson Square Greenway. The landscaped parcel will include a 3,000 square foot hardscaped plaza, seamlessly connecting the built environment and softening the edges of the adjacent MBTA rail line. The proximity to an active rail line required adept technical expertise in order to successfully map the location of the 36” diameter underground duct bank to ensure safety—access and wayfinding are integrated to maintain citizen welfare in the event of an emergency. By unifying the neighboring sites with an extended path accommodating pedestrians and cyclists, seating areas for public use and lawn areas with small-leafed trees for rest and recreation, the Greenway is poised for reawakening.

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It’s exciting to see underutilized BHA land transformed into such an important use for dozens of low-income families. We are forging exciting opportunities in Jackson Square, and I am grateful to all of our partners and staff that have made this happen.
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Kate Bennett, Boston Housing Authority Administrator
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Project Team

  • Client: Jackson Square Partners
  • Developer: The Community Builders, Jamaica Plain Development Corp
  • Architect: ICON Architecture
  • Civil Engineer: Nitsch Engineering
  • General Contractor: NEI General Contracting
  • Landscape Contractor: Hurst Landscape & Site Services

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