dumontjanks

DumontJanks has led a multi-year collaborative planning effort to transform a former military base outside Boston into a vibrant urban neighborhood. The plan is rooted in the site’s natural ecology, restoring the historic stream as a unifying feature that connects wetlands north and south of the property. This central green space not only reestablishes vital hydrological systems and improves flood resilience, but also creates a civic spine for recreation and gathering. Supporting linear greens extend this system to the edges of the site, framing residential neighborhoods with accessible open space and ensuring a cohesive ecological and civic framework.

Anchored by a nearby T station, the plan leverages access to regional transit to establish a robust multimodal mobility system. This transit connection enables higher density development consistent with state goals for transit-oriented growth, and supports a diverse mix of housing, local retail, and commercial space integrated around walkable blocks.

A repurposed aircraft hangar from the former base offers a unique opportunity for a landmark public facility. Its scale and centrality make it an ideal anchor for the “Town Center,” reinforcing the open space and mobility frameworks while providing a shared civic identity. Phased development aligns restoration and construction with ongoing adjacent projects, proximity to utilities, and the availability of transit, ensuring that growth unfolds in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

The total site program envisions approximately 6,000 homes of varied types, 500,000–600,000 gross square feet of commercial uses, and 50,000–100,000 gross square feet of local retail. A guiding principle of the plan is to create an integrated, mixed-income, and balanced residential community that reflects state aspirations for inclusive development. Ground-floor retail with upper-level housing and residential buildings with integrated parking maximize efficiency while contributing to an active street life.