Main and Fair

Nantucket

The Nantucket Land Bank acquired a downtown Main and Fair property in 2007. They asked Bartsch Landscape Architecture to design and manage installation of the first downtown park in over a hundred years. Some expected a grassy mound and a couple benches but with maritime materials like granite blocks and custom designed wrought iron fences, we crafted a park sensitive to the island’s historic nature and gives the public a diverse and engaging spot. The park has a fountain, seat walls, benches, and special lanterns. We drew the planting scheme from 19th century gardens.

Collaboration

Ferrantella Landscaping, John Fee Masonry, Ellis & Schneider Electric, Pete Christianson Plumbing, Billy Sherry, and Custom Metal Fabrication.

Total Project Cost: $348k

An Elevated Community Space

Some expected a couple benches on an open mound of grass. But the space is too important not to make it special. Fortunately others agreed, and today the peaceful getaway is well loved with its heavy granite maritime walls, period fences, interactive fountain, and naturalized plantings.

Room to Roam

Children love the space, getting their hands wet, tossing lucky pennies in the fountain, and even digging in the dirt in this well-enclosed, safe haven.

Cues from Other Nantucket Sites

The next most recent park was at the Atheneum. There, the entry has a beautifully simple lantern design that we co-opted for this setting. We’re not above using others’ good ideas for the sake of visual continuity.

Project Lead

David Bartsch

David is extremely reliable and listened to our needs. David always kept the project flowing, without him, we could never have done it. He kept us informed and brought the job in on time. He solved any problems that came up creatively. David was a pleasure to do business with.

P. Morency

Principal Service Engineer at a worldwide lighting solutions manufacturer