Transforming a former rail-side lot into a vibrant public amenity, the Jackson Square Greenway anchors the neighborhood and echoes the spirit of Boston’s Southwest Corridor Park system. By reclaiming underutilized land alongside the subgrade Orange Line tracks, the first phase of the project establishes a critical pedestrian and cyclist link between Jackson Square Station and the newly developed Brewery Lane.
The design follows the planning logic of the City of Boston’s PLAN: JP/Rox, which envisioned linear parks flanking both sides of the transit corridor, combined with the decades-long Jackson Square Master Plan. The design required extensive technical coordination with the MBTA and Amtrak to ensure safety and structural integrity adjacent to active rail lines. The program prioritizes a “living room” atmosphere; intersecting at Centre Street, the path widens into a broad plaza that serves as a community gathering space, while the length of the park features whimsical shade umbrellas and bright seating areas that invite residents to linger.
Sustainability is woven throughout the corridor, integrating high-performance stormwater systems to manage urban runoff on-site. These systems pair with a resilient landscape palette of butterfly gardens and low perennials that support local biodiversity. With new lighting, signage, and a shared-use spine, the Greenway successfully bridges the gap between complex transit infrastructure and active public life, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the community.
