Encompassing five parking lots currently owned by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), the Reed Square Development Study envisions a meaningful community connector for Roxbury residents with a diversity of open spaces and multi-generational, multi-cultural intersections. Developed by Sasaki, the study envisions the 4.5 acre site as a new square that includes six new residential buildings offering a total of 383 affordable units and approximately 10,000 square feet of affordable retail and hospitality spaces to support locally owned businesses. 

Meaningful Community Connections

Located on Reed Street between main thoroughfares Harrison Avenue and Washington Street, the site presents a critical opportunity to bridge the gap between South End and Lower Roxbury, offering a missing link amidst a network of neighborhood squares. To accomplish this, the study introduces green corridors, promotes local businesses, and provides welcoming and comfortable outdoor spaces to foster social interaction and community amongst neighbors. The vision also aims to enhance existing pedestrian and public transit connections by proposing new bike lanes and a widened, raised Reed Street to promote slower and safer transportation for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians.

Mitigating the effects of climate change is key to restoring environmental justice and ensuring the long-term sustainability of communities everywhere. Recognizing this, the multidisciplinary study proposes all buildings be designed to minimize flood risks through elevated structures, permeable surfaces, and effective stormwater management across the site. Additionally, urban heat island effect is reduced through a strategic landscaping and planting design that provides adequate shading and plenty of opportunities for seating, respite, and cooling off during warmer months.

A Community-Centered Model for Affordable Housing

Of the 383 residential units encompassed in the study, 72 are available for sale and 311 are available for rent – all with three-bedroom, two-bedroom, and single bedroom options. The study considers both family-oriented and senior housing to promote multi-generational occupancy and ensures affordability of all residential units at half or less than half of market price.

To foster opportunities for wealth-building, careers in construction, real estate development, property management, and maintenance are introduced with a preference for hiring Roxbury residents. On the ground level, affordable retail and restaurant spaces can support small businesses, providing additional investments into the local economy.

A Place to Live, Play, and Thrive

In addition to supporting community businesses, Reed Square is designed to support placemaking and programming, with the potential to house neighborhood amenities such as a community kitchen, childcare services, and educational programming for Roxbury as a whole. Outdoor areas provide residents with flexible spaces for outdoor dining and community events, while playgrounds and public art inspire play, connection, and creativity. Bright murals, small businesses tucked away on side streets, and active corner parks all come together to create a vibrant symphony of daily neighborhood life.

At the heart of the Reed Square Development is a 18,000 square foot multi-use lawn that serves both informal gatherings as well as larger programmed events. To the north of the lawn, a tightly spaced bosque of trees provides shade for outdoor cafe tables, while an outdoor pergola anchors the south end of the lawn and leads to U-shaped planters with bench seating to accommodate smaller groups. String lights across the lawn help to animate and activate the space for night festivities.

The Reed Square Development Study was completed by Sasaki in May of 2024. It exemplifies Boston’s vision for a vibrant, resilient, and equitable community that provides excellent quality of life for its residents while creating a positive impact on the social, environmental, and economic health of the City.