The Davis Square Design Charrette will be underway Monday September 9th through Wednesday September 11th. The Design Team, which includes City Staff and a selection of consultants, will be activating a currently vacant storefront at 377 Summer Street and transforming the space into a design studio and meeting hall for the event.
Schedule of Events:
Download the Stakeholder Session Flyer
Monday, September 9th
Open Studio
Monday 9 AM – 8 PM
Having trouble attending any of the stakeholder sessions detailed below? Feel free to stop by our Open Studio where you can directly interact with Project Team members on any subject of concern and get a close-up look at the work in-progress.
Cooperative Management Needs in Davis Square
Monday 11 AM – 12 PM
Around the country, successful business districts have started managing local services like garbage removal, street sweeping, and business marketing. Help the Project Team think about strategies for Davis Square, and review local examples.
Festivals, Food, and Farmers
Monday 3-4 PM
Davis Square offers world-class arts and cultural events all year long. Join the Project Team as we explore ways to support the fun and funky character of Davis, for residents and visitors alike.
The Economy of Davis Square
Monday 4:30-5:30 PM
What kinds of businesses and entrepreneurs make Davis Square great today? What kind of jobs and services are missing from the mix? Project Team members will lead a session on the economics of authentic business districts like Davis.
Options for Accommodations in Davis Square
Monday 6-7 PM
Davis Square draws visitors from all over the world, but offers very few places to stay for the night. Help the Project Team understand the pros and cons of different lodging strategies, including alternative sites for a new hotel development.
Parking Needs in the Square
Monday 7:30-8:30PM
Davis Square needs parking for residents, workers, and visitors. But how much, and what type of parking? Join Project Team members specializing in parking and transportation planning as we dig into the data together.
Tuesday, September 10th
Open Studio
Tuesday 9 AM – 8 PM
Having trouble attending any of the stakeholder sessions detailed below? Feel free to stop by our Open Studio where you can directly interact with Project Team members on any subject of concern and get a close-up look at the work in-progress.
Walk, Bike, Ride, Drive
Tuesday 9-10 AM
Somerville’s streets are an important public space, and need to serve a diverse group of users. Project Team members will lead a discussion on how Somerville can improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency for all users.
The Future of Parking in Davis Square
Tuesday 11 AM – 12 PM
Join the Project Team for a second discussion on parking. How will our needs change over the next ten years? Can the City find the “sweet spot” between supply and demand and balance economic vitality and quality-of-life in Davis Square?
Parks, Plazas, and Playgrounds
Tuesday 3:30-4:30 PM
Hodgkins-Curtin Park just got a $1 million upgrade, but what is next for open space planning and design in Davis Square? Sit down with City Parks managers and Project Team members for a fun, visual session.
Partnerships for Cooperative Management
Tuesday 5-6 PM
Have you noticed parts of Davis Square that aren’t working so well? Tired storefronts, overflowing trash receptacles, empty parking lots? Economic Development specialists from the Project Team will lead a follow-up discussion on ways to manage and maintain the district.
What Can Happen Right Now?
Tuesday 6:30-7:30 PM
Long-range neighborhood plans are important, but how can we make an impact this year? Join the Project Team to discuss how locally developed, low risk, short term actions can foster long term change and build social capital without breaking the bank.
Wednesday, September 11th
Pin-Up Presentation
Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Join us at the Davis Square Theatre, 255 Elm Street, as the Project Team comes together to present their initial ideas to achieve the community’s vision for the future of Davis Square.
