The old site had existed only for private parking and vehicular circulation. By contrast, the Plaza is a vibrant, pedestrian-first space designed for the enjoyment of the local community, including residents of the nearby Harvey apartment building.
An Industrial Past, a Recreational Future
Hood Plaza is the physical and social heart of the newly transformed Hood Park in Charlestown. Formerly a drab parking lot, the Plaza offers a recreational escape for Charlestown residents and the growing population of office, lab, and retail workers employed by the site’s tenants.
The design draws inspiration from Hood Park’s 200-year-old industrial history: its proximity to the old Middlesex Canal, original use as a mill pond, and subsequent use as the Hoods Milk plant. More importantly, the Plaza provides a welcoming outdoor space for a broad mix of people. It kick-starts the process of integrating this once-isolated industrial complex into a true extension of the surrounding neighborhood.