open space PROJECTs IN THE KENDALL SQUARE MXD DISTRICT
Center Plaza Design Review
Center Plaza public open space will be built at the current site of the Blue Garage, as part of BXP’s MXD Substation Redevelopment Project.
BXP is working with Sasaki Associates, NBBJ and Biederman Group to complete designs. BXP expects to host additional Community and public Design Review Meetings, and the Plaza design is expected to undergo CRA and Planning Board design review this fall. See here to learn more about the project.
Privately Owned Open Space (POPS)
POPS are publicly beneficial areas that while privately owned, have been set aside for public use through either land-use restriction, development agreements, or zoning requirements. Click here to see POPS in Kendall Square.
The CRA partnered with the City of Cambridge to develop “Open to All” POPS signage. See here for signage guidelines.
Danny Lewin Park Redesign & Ames Place Open Space
In 2018 the CRA worked with Mikyoung Kim and Nitsch Engineering to collaboratively redesign the open space off Ames Place, including Danny Lewin and Broad Pocket Park.
In 2022, the CRA re-initiated MYKD to establish designs for Danny Lewin Park, owned by BXP and Residence Inn, to include a patio seating area proposed by Residence Inn, and to enhance the park to make it feel more publicly accessible. Click here to learn more.
Interactive Development Map - Open Space
Explore Kendall Square's open space history and see what is planned for the future!
The Interactive Kendall Square Development Map illustrates the growth and evolution of Kendall Square since 1980. When you open the site, see the drop-down menu to select open space.
OPEN SPACES MANAGED BY THE CRA
Third & Binney Street
Located at the corner of Third St. and Binney St., the civic space offers a place for respite amongst the urban landscape. There are picnic tables for use by the community members that are shaded in the warmer months.
For summer 2023, the Third & Binney Street lot hosts community events every Thursday, organized by Green City Growers. Events include a free market, plants exchange, puppy night & toy swap, and local business pop-ups.
Galaxy Park
Most sections of Broadway, Main Street & Third Street will be reconstructed by other entities. As the CRA owns Galaxy Park’s Broadway frontage, however, the CRA has progressed a portion of the proposed concept design from the streetscape plan. This project includes a section of land along the southern edge of Broadway north of Galaxy Park, the point of Galaxy Park, and the intersection of Main Street and Broadway heading eastbound towards the Longfellow Bridge. The CRA will continue to develop plans for Galaxy Park over the course of 2023 and 2024.
GRAND JUNCTION PARK
Grand Junction Park was rebuilt by the CRA in 2016, and created the first phase of the Grand Junction Multi-Use path. The park is adjacent to the railroad right-of-way between Main Street and Broadway and is owned by the CRA. More portions of the path are currently being planned by the City of Cambridge
To learn more about the park’s construction, click here.
To learn more about the City of Cambridge’s plans for the rest of the multi-use path, click here.
