This project encompasses the renovation of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) headquarters into a working bus maintenance facility and its surrounding landscape. Located along the historically significant Arborway, the site’s frontage is the broken segment of Olmstead’s Emerald Necklace between the Arboretum and Franklin Park that is disrupted by the Casey overpass. A landscape program was developed to respond to the myriad needs of all invested parties—the MBTA, the architects, and the community groups. One primary goal was to buffer the complex and integrate it into the adjacent neighborhood. This is accomplished through artistic mounding and plantings. Another important goal was to reconnect the Arborway for bicyclists and pedestrians. Also, new paths are added to provide exercise loops and links to the surroundings. Within the buffer park the naturalistic setting doubles as emergency fire access. Stones are used for seating and climbing, and a dry stream bed reflects the location where Stoney Brook Stream once flowed.
