Working for the Boston Public Works Department, Nitsch designed the intersection and streetscape improvements in Upham’s Corner, an urban neighborhood and central business district of Dorchester. Our design aimed to improve traffic operation and flow, pedestrian safety, and the linkage between the historic Strand Theatre and municipal parking located east of Dudley Street. The design also includes visual enhancements through installation of landscape amenities, special lighting poles, and way-findings. The project provided a foundation for the continued revitalization of the compact, urban town center.
To create a solid foundation of information on which to base our design, Nitsch surveyed the project area, collected traffic data, and analyzed the intersection capacity. We used Boston Complete Streets Guidelines to apply three primary elements for the proposed improvements: Green, Multimodal, and Smart Street. We added tree pits for stormwater management, increased landscaped areas to green the area, provided for accommodations to address multimodal needs (a primary consideration in our design), and applied current technologies for traffic controls, system communication, and traffic monitoring.
To guide people through the area, we designed new wayfinding signage in collaboration with the local community and the Boston Planning and Development Agency. We coordinated with existing utility companies to gather the most current information regarding utility size, material, and location, and provided engineering and construction administration services. We were able to fast-track this project, completing full design within six months.
Key Collaborators
Owner: Boston Public Works Department
Landscape Architect: Copley Wolff Design Group
