425 Medford Street

Weston & Sampson worked with a private developer and architect on a master plan design for a 25-acre waterfront site in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

This mixed-use development prioritizes addressing existing and future site flooding from predicted sea level rise and climate change by incorporating a resilient flood barrier within a system of new public open spaces. By raising the existing grades along the waterfront, a hierarchy of pedestrian open space was created, offering users a multitude of spatial experiences. The master plan design includes a variety of new public open spaces that seamlessly connect to the existing neighborhood, and the newly created waterfront park. Design focused on sustainability, such as stormwater management and reducing Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects through tree plantings, green open spaces, and carefully selected materials. This master plan design also incorporates universal accessibility for all users, with a focus on Complete Street principles for multi-modal uses in equal measure.