Ashburton Square, in the backyard of the Massachusetts State House, was falling apart. Situated between the McCormack State Office Building and the State House, state police cruisers parked all over it, the flagpoles leaned at 5 degrees, more than the Tower of Pisa! The old concrete walls were cracking. The Bureau of State Office Buildings contracted with Bartsch Landscape Architecture, Nitsch Engineering, and AHA Engineering to fix all that, and render the space into an attractive setting with clear traffic signage, better pedestrian safety, and higher curbs to prevent parking on the walkways. Custom-fabricated granite steps and walls support a cobbled flagpole platform and bronze guardrail. Once again the space contributes to the stature of the neighborhood. The square now sees better circulation and a more attractive image for the Commonwealth’s back yard.
Collaboration
Traffic Engineers: AHA Consulting Engineers
Civil and Structural Engineers: Nitsch Engineering
Total Project Cost: $1.2M
Details in Granite
Incorporating steep grades, the new island is attractive, sculptural, and long-lasting.
A Former Eyesore
An uncomplimentary space at the Statehouse required some careful attention.
Not a Safe Condition
In an area with many children and even more college students, tourists, residents, state workers, and legislators, the area begged for improvement.
A Safer, More Functional Gathering Place
Anyone can have a voice from this newly renovated perch beside the State House. The critical mass of people will surely stop in their tracks to hear what you’ve got say!