Site Visit - Dewey Square

I have had a chance to visit the site several times, mostly during the weekdays on my way to or from work.

On weekday mornings, the site is fairly vibrant with commuters arriving (primarily) in Dewey Square from South Station and the I-93. The pedestrian flow is directed outwards from South Station as people are making their way to work.

On weekday afternoons Dewey Square is filled with pedestrians buying lunch from the several food trucks that visit the site from 11am to 6pm daily. There are people using the tables and chairs to eat food and socialize, or just enjoy the public space on nice warm days. The vehicle traffic is heavy in northbound, and westbound directions at this hour. 

Food trucks at Dewey Square on a weekday afternoon (51 Hig Street in background).

The 51 High Street site is bordered by one way streets in the North and South, with bike lanes on both streets. The sidewalk on the southern side of the site, along Purchase St, is a popular pedestrian route, especially around lunch time on weekdays. The rain garden is a popular destination for passer-bys and regulars alike, especially with the new mural going up in to the East of the Square. 

New mural going up near the project site. 

 

 

 

 

The site is directly adjacent to more industrial use buildings, but is located near to a variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. This brings an overall vibrant feel to the area during the day. However, due to the I-93 exit onto Purchase Street, directly in front of the site, the public spaces and sidewalks feel safe but exposed due to the heavy vehicle traffic on either side of the Greenway. 

So far, I foresee that the major issues to watch out for on the site will be sunlight exposure (to support algae production), connections to bike and pedestrian circulation.