Center Plaza (Parcel 2)

Center Plaza Conceptual Design Layout

In 2020, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority explored relocating a proposed Eversource substation 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.

The future open space’s design evolved substantially in 2024. The design grew in response to both comments from a joint CRA and City of Cambridge Design Review process and from 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

Discussions on the design direction will continue at CRA design review meetings with board representatives throughout 2025.

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 Decks

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

The Beacon

Structure with mirrored exterior to draw people into the plaza from the street with public restrooms.

The Lawn

Open zone designed for different scales of programming throughout the year

• 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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