*Designed while at CRJA|IBI Placemaking

…transformation of an internally faced urban mall into an outward facing mixed-use community center

Steve Woods with the team at CRJA | IBI Placemaking lead site design services for the redevelopment of Arsenal Yards in Watertown, MA. The team worked closely with the client, Boylston Properties & The Wilder Companies. The design team’s goal of knitting historic buildings with new surroundings yield a true live, work, play environment that includes restaurants, retail, office and lab space.

The site is defined by two historic brick arsenal buildings creating a memorable shopping experience. In transforming it into Arsenal Yards, Woods along with PCA architects collaborated to create a mixed-use environment with the capacity to be a destination for Watertown and the Boston metro area.

The design centers on generous pedestrian environments that make connections to the park and river via the River Green – a space that could be used as a place to recharge or for outdoor movie nights. A shared courtyard features seating and gathering spaces to host food vendors, outdoor markets and other events.