Worcester Downtown Action AgendaWorcester, MA
The Downtown Action Agenda provides a framework to guide public and private investment in downtown Worcester over the next decade. The strategy identifies priority projects and emphasizes public/private partnerships within a 275-acre district. Sasaki worked closely with the City to establish a process that included elected officials, business and civic leaders, local colleges and universities, real estate developers, and residents.
The Agenda builds on existing downtown assets, recognizing the historic pattern of districts and squares, emphasizing transit connections, preserving historic building stock, and serving the many colleges and universities in the area. The strategy details a program for public investment that is carefully targeted to leverage private investment.
The urban design plan illustrates the redevelopment of an enclosed mall to reconnect the downtown street network, allowing for dramatic new vistas and a more walkable downtown environment. The higher density mixed use development of residential, office, and entertainment uses will provide a critical mass of activity to rejuvenate the streets and the newly positioned “main street” retail.
Within an overall framework of streets and open spaces, Sasaki provided detailed recommendations for each of three downtown districts, addressing economic potential, urban design character, catalyst development projects, public infrastructure, and longer term private development opportunities.
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