Current open space PROJECTs

Privately Owned Public Spaces (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.

Center Plaza (Parcel 2) 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.

The future open space known as Center Plaza evolved substantially in 2024. The design was modified in response to both staff comments from a joint CRA and CDD Design Review and community outreach efforts. Over the course of the year, the plaza’s design shifted to include:

• A children’s play zone

• An increase of planting areas

• Additional small seating nooks

Modifications to the plaza’s walkways and paving materials A joint CRA and Cambridge Planning Board meeting was held in December to review schematic designs for the plaza. Both boards gave conditional approval for the plans to move forward to the Design Development phase. Discussions will continue at CRA design review meetings with board representatives in 2025. See here to learn more about the project.

• Project Partners: BXP

• Architect: Stantec & NBBJ

• Landscape Architect: Sasaki Associates

• General Contractor: Turner Construction

• Year Started: 2019

Review and Approval Documents:

Public Presentation (August 9, 2023)

MXD Center Plaza Design Review Joint Planning Board / CRA Board SD Presentation (Approved December 10, 2024)

Past open space PROJECTs

Danny Lewin Park & Ames Place Open Space

Danny Lewin Park is a privately-owned open space in Kendall Square’s MXD District, controlled by BXP and Residence Inn. The park is dedicated to Akamai’s co-founder, Daniel Lewin. The CRA faciliated the concept plan for the park redesign. The redesigned space is shaped around community needs—offering an accessible lawn, a cozy garden nook for quiet moments, and a welcoming seating area with communal tables where residents can gather, share meals, and connect. BXP and Turner collaborated with Brightview to implement the project under a design-build agreement. During the reconstruction of the park, CRA staff reviewed the construction to enhance landscaping increase tree preservation and reduce project expenses. In addition to realizing cost savings, the oversight facilitated the repurposing of existing park benches, which were donated to various organizations and businesses in Cambridge. Ultimately, the total cost for Danny Lewin Park amounted to approximately $1,820,000, which was in line with the original estimate of $2,000,000, despite inflationary pressures. Danny Lewin Park’s grand reopening ribbon cutting was held in October. The event marked a significant milestone, culminating years of planning, design, and construction aimed at renewing this important community space.

• Project Partners: BXP

• Landscape Architect: Mikyoung Kim Design & Brightview

• General Contractor: Brightview

• Year Completed:2024

Click here to learn more.

OPEN SPACES MANAGED BY THE CRA

Third & Binney Street (Parcel 6)

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 2024, the Third & Binney Street lot will host community events throughout the summer, organized by Green City Growers.

Click here for more information about the art in Parcel 6.

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.