In March 2014, an exciting initiative began in Boston aimed at transforming Mount Vernon Street in Columbia Point. Spearheaded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), now known as the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), this public project set out to reimagine Mount Vernon Street, focusing on creating a more beautiful, safer, and user-friendly environment for everyone. Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, driver, or public transit user, the Mount Vernon Street redesign project sought to improve the experience for all.
This ambitious undertaking started with the development of a “25% Design” for Mount Vernon Street. This preliminary design phase is crucial as it lays the groundwork for the street’s fundamental structure. It encompasses key elements such as the number of traffic lanes, sidewalk widths, bicycle facilities, landscaping and tree placement, street furniture, wayfinding signage, street lighting, and bus stop locations. Following this 25% design, a subsequent “100% Design” phase is planned. This phase will involve creating detailed blueprints that are ready for construction bidding, bringing the vision for a revitalized Mount Vernon Street closer to reality.
The Urgency for Change on Mount Vernon Street
Several significant developments in the Columbia Point area underscored the timeliness and importance of the Mount Vernon Street redesign. Firstly, the approval of the 184-unit University Residences at 150 Mount Vernon Street, situated directly opposite the Corcoran Jennison Companies office building, signaled a growing residential presence. Adding to this, a 278-unit housing development at 25 Morrissey Boulevard, near the Shaws Supermarket, further indicated increased community density.
Furthermore, the expansion plans of UMass Boston played a pivotal role in prioritizing the Mount Vernon Street project. UMass Boston’s acquisition of the former Bayside Exposition Center and their vision to extend the campus to this site highlighted Mount Vernon Street‘s future role as a vital link. The university aims to increase its student population from 16,000 to 25,000 by 2025, making Mount Vernon Street a critical connector between the existing and expanded campuses. Lastly, the opening of the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Senate Studies in March 2015, a 40,000 square-foot facility, was anticipated to attract a new influx of visitors to the Columbia Point peninsula, further emphasizing the need for improved street infrastructure.
Public Involvement: Crafting a Community-Centric Design for Mount Vernon Street
Recognizing the importance of community input, the BRA actively engaged with residents, students, institutions, and businesses throughout the Mount Vernon Street redesign process. From March 2014 to March 2015, a series of four public meetings were held to ensure the 25% design reflected the aspirations and needs of the Columbia Point community. These meetings took place on:
- March 27, 2014
- May 29, 2014
- November 5, 2014
- March 10, 2015
Summaries and presentation materials from each of these community meetings were made available to the public, fostering transparency and ongoing communication.
March 27, 2014 Community Meeting: Project Kick-off and Initial Ideas
The inaugural public meeting for the Mount Vernon Street 25% design project was held on March 27th at the Corcoran Mullens Jennison Community Building in Harbor Point Residences. Over 80 stakeholders from the Columbia Point community joined BRA planners and consultants from Crosby Schlessinger Smallridge Associates and McMahon Associates to discuss the future vision for Mount Vernon Street in Columbia Point, Dorchester.
Following an introduction to the project by BRA staff, the consultant team presented initial opportunities for Mount Vernon Street and shared baseline traffic analysis data. Attendees then participated in smaller group discussions, brainstorming ideas related to safety enhancements, improved street lighting, dedicated cycle tracks, sidewalk improvements, and gateway features to enhance the street’s entrances. The diverse perspectives and creative ideas generated during this meeting laid a strong foundation for the design process.
May 29, 2014 Community Meeting: Exploring Design Strategies for Mount Vernon Street
Building upon the initial meeting, a second public forum was held on May 29, 2014. Over 35 residents, workers, and community leaders gathered to hear BRA staff and consultants present specific strategies for transforming Mount Vernon Street. Working design concepts were unveiled, showcasing features such as a protected sidewalk-level cycle track, wider sidewalks to improve pedestrian flow, enhanced landscaping to beautify the streetscape, and better connections to the Harborwalk, a popular waterfront pedestrian path. Attendees then engaged in branding and identity exercises for Mount Vernon Street and delved deeper into discussions about detailed street section designs, ensuring community needs were integrated into the evolving plans.
November 5, 2014 Community Meeting: Unveiling the Draft 25% Design for Mount Vernon Street
A significant milestone was reached at the November 5th community meeting, held at the Corcoran Mullens Jennison Community Building on Mount Vernon Street. The draft 25% design for Mount Vernon Street was officially presented to the public. The design proposed maintaining three to four vehicular travel lanes near Morrissey Boulevard to accommodate higher traffic volumes in the western section of the street. Progressing eastward towards the Geiger Gibson health center, the design strategically tapered down to two vehicular travel lanes in each direction, promoting traffic calming in pedestrian-heavy zones.
A key feature of the proposed design was the inclusion of a five-foot wide, sidewalk-level cycle track on both sides of Mount Vernon Street for the majority of its length. This dedicated, protected lane for bicycles was positioned two feet inward from the curb, prioritizing cyclist safety. Adjacent to the cycle track, a four-foot landscape zone was incorporated, featuring greenery and street furniture to create a buffer between cyclists and pedestrians on the sidewalk. The design aimed to balance vehicular traffic flow with enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety and comfort.
Feedback on the draft design was largely positive, with many participants expressing support for the intent to calm traffic and create safe spaces for all modes of transportation. The proposed lighting and wayfinding strategies were particularly well-received. However, some concerns were raised regarding traffic queuing issues near Harbor Point Residences and potential traffic congestion at the western end of Mount Vernon Street due to increased parking demand from UMass Boston. These concerns were documented and considered for further refinement of the design.
March 10, 2015 Community Plan: Presentation of the Final 25% Design for Mount Vernon Street
The culmination of the community engagement process was the March 10, 2015 meeting, where BRA staff and consultants presented the final proposed 25% design for Mount Vernon Street. Key elements of the refined design included:
- Reduced roadway width to create more generous space for pedestrians, cyclists, landscaping, and street furniture, enhancing the overall street environment.
- Introduction of protected, sidewalk-level bike lanes, prioritizing cyclist safety and promoting cycling as a viable transportation option.
- Increased mid-block pedestrian crossings and curb extensions to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility along Mount Vernon Street.
- Establishment of “moments” or nodes of interest along the street, creating visually appealing and engaging spaces for the community.
- Integrated identity and wayfinding strategies to improve navigation and reinforce the unique character of Mount Vernon Street.
- Incorporation of green infrastructure strategies, including street trees and stormwater planters/rain gardens, promoting environmental sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
The final 25% design plan for Mount Vernon Street represented a significant step forward in creating a more vibrant, safe, and accessible streetscape for the Columbia Point community.
Next Steps: From Design to Reality on Mount Vernon Street
The Mount Vernon Street redesign project is progressing towards implementation. The immediate next steps include:
- Advancing the 25% Preliminary Design to 100% Construction Ready Design Drawings, preparing for the detailed engineering and construction planning phase.
- Constructing the newly designed street based on the 100% design plans, bringing the community’s vision to life.
Currently, funding for the 100% design and construction phases is pending. The community is encouraged to stay connected through the project website for future updates and progress announcements as Mount Vernon Street moves closer to its transformation.
