Ashburton Square

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.