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The Vision: A Blossoming Diverse Community
from The Gardens
by Leo Coelho
THE VISION
A BLOSSOMING DIVERSE COMMUNITY
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PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR FUTURE DIVERSITY The Gardens brings a vision of diversity and economic inclusion to a community at a turning point. As Boston Landing catalyzes new development across Brighton, the redevelopment of Faneuil Gardens represents a critical opportunity to build a more integrated and more inclusive community. Our vision begins with re-branding, dropping the namesake associated with the Boston slave trade in favor of a simplified name. The Gardens acknowledges the legacy of the current site and its residents, emphasizes the community’s proximity to currently underutilized green spaces, and serves as a beacon for a renewed commitment to diversity in Brighton during a time of neighborhood change. New opportunities have facilitated a shift in Brighton toward a whiter, younger, wealthier, and more student-oriented community. Our vision for The Gardens seeks to ensure that expanded opportunity comes with expanded access and inclusion for families from all economic backgrounds.
THE GARDENS AS A TRANSPORT HUB Access to opportunity depends on access to transportation. We believe The Gardens has the opportunity to serve its residents and the surrounding neighborhoods as a vital transportation hub. Our design emphasizes walkability, cycling, and connectivity to Boston Landing Station and major bus lines, rewriting the historical narrative on public housing from one of racial and economic segregation to inclusive, community-wide access to opportunity.
HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE, FAMILY-ORIENTED HOUSING The cornerstone of the Gardens’ vision is the preservation and expansion of affordable, family-oriented housing stock in Brighton. We replace and improve the long-term affordability of the 254 existing state public housing units at Faneuil Gardens with 351 units across six buildings, while creating a unit mix that blends deeply affordable state-assisted and Projectbased Section 8 units with Workforce Housing and Market-Rate Units. The Gardens improves the ability of residents to access nearby McKinney Park and a central green space, playground, and expansive community center provide gathering spaces for residents from all buildings.
Current Site Photo Boston Housing Authorities Image
Current Site Photo Boston Housing Authorities Image
