Center Plaza

Center Plaza Conceptual Design Layout

In 2020, The CRA explored relocating a proposed Eversource substation with developer BXP from East Cambridge to the site of the Blue Garage located between Binney Street, Galileo Galilei Way, and Broadway in Kendall Square. The project includes creating a new open space, currently referred to as as Center Plaza.

Design development for Center Plaza progressed through multiple rounds of review in 2025. 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

The CRA’s Design Review Committee held joint sessions in May and September of 2025 to refine the project’s design, and their feedback directly influenced improvements to the plaza. Center Plaza received approval for its design development phase via the CRA’s Design Review & Document Approval Procedures (DRDAP) process in November 2025.

The CRA will continue its review of the space as it progresses towards eventual construction, currently scheduled for 2030.

The Nooks

Intimate spaces at the intake structure with various degree of enclosure that offer a sense of urban wilderness as a respite for small group socializing and individual unwinding.

The Lawn

Open zone designed for all kinds of activities throughout the year.

Beacon & Play Area

Structure with mirrored exterior to draw people into the plaza from the street with public restrooms. Children’s play area draws the younger crowd.

The Decks

Open, flexible use areas at the exhaust and hatch structures from the underground substation, with a variety of fixed and moveable furnishings that overlook the center of the plaza to allow gathering of all types.

This Project is Part of the IDCP (Infill Development Concept Plan). See other projects:

• Project Stats

  • Project Partners:
    BXP

  • Architect:
    Stantec & NBBJ

  • Landscape Architect:
    Sasaki Associates

  • General Contractor:
    Turner Construction

  • Year Started:
    2019

• Contact the Team

  Joel Smith, ext 14, jsmith@cambridgeredevelopment.org

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