The Francis Street Beach Improvement Project, situated at the intersection of Washington Street and Francis Street in Nantucket, marks a crucial step in enhancing the town’s coastal resilience. Spanning a 1-acre site, this project serves as the inaugural undertaking within the broader Washington Street Resilience Framework, setting the stage for future improvements in the area.
Current Site Conditions at Francis Street Beach
Currently, Francis Street Beach functions as a public access point to Nantucket’s Downtown waterfront, cherished by the community for diverse recreational activities. However, the low-lying nature of the site presents challenges during storm events. It becomes a direct conduit for coastal storm floodwater to inundate Washington Street. Furthermore, accumulated stormwater runoff exacerbates flooding along Washington Street, compounding the issue. The images below illustrate the fluctuating water levels experienced at the Francis Street Beach project site under current conditions.
Image Credit: SCAPE; Image Credit: MyCoast Storm Report of Francis Street Beach Nantucket
Project Scope Refinement for Francis Street Improvement
As the Francis Street Beach Improvement Project advances into the schematic design phase, the project’s scope has been carefully refined to ensure focused and effective improvements. It is important to note that the current limit of work excludes adjacent properties such as the abutter property at 77 Washington Street, the Salt Marsh Center, and pre-existing road conditions. This refined focus allows for targeted interventions within the Francis Street Beach area to maximize impact.
Preliminary Design Concept for Francis Street Beach
The following images present a preliminary concept for the Francis Street Beach Improvement Project. This concept, which will undergo further refinement during the schematic design phase, emphasizes the vital link between mitigating coastal flood risks and managing inland stormwater effectively. On the waterside of Francis Street Beach, the design envisions a flood protection structure integrated beneath an elevated multi-use path and newly established coastal dunes. A universally accessible deck, complete with terraced seating, will be oriented to offer panoramic Harbor views and facilitate convenient beach access. Inland, on the Washington Street side, a rain garden is proposed to alleviate inland flooding issues, creating tranquil green spaces for respite near the bustling intersection of Washington and Francis Street.
