City Hall Plaza Renovation Concept Design Announced by Mayor Walsh

A renovation concept design for Boston City Hall Plaza has been put forth by Mayor Martin Walsh.

Renovation plans will apparently transform the Plaza into civic space, improve environmental issues and improvements ensuring the Plaza is safe and assessable.

The seven-acre park is visited by thousands of residents daily and is one of the City’s largest civic space. For the last 50 years it has hosted events ranging from sports celebration and rallies to seasonal cultural events.

Sasaki, a global design firm specializing in urban design will bring the Plaza up to 21st-century standards.

Phase 1 of the project will deliver updated civic spaces and programming capabilities including connecting Congress and Cambridge Streets with an accessible slope Promenade activated by 21st-century civic amenities like shady seating and gathering areas, a destination play space, public art space and an iconic water feature.

“This renovation will turn our seven-acre space into a welcoming, assessable space for all,” Mayor Walsh said.

Funding for Phase 1 of the Plaza is included in this year’s Boston’s Capital Budget of which $70 million in total project costs is designed to complete Phase 1 of the project.

City Hall Plaza design includes a focus on a welcoming front yard for civic life, flexible and accommodating event venues, a model of sustainability and resilience for the 50-year-old Hall and Plaza.

A public meeting was held at City Hall for a design presentation and discussion about the Plaza renovations.             Renovation plans are available on boston.com.