Synopsis: The completion of the Great River Bridge across the Westfield River opens up the potential for an underutilized riverfront stretch to become a vibrant mixed-use district interweaving residential and commercial development with a network of greenways that connects to adjacent neighborhoods. This study examined four different scenarios addressing the town’s planning goals, proposing low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise-centered communities.
Detailed Description: With the completion of the Great River Bridge project comes the renewed access to the Westfield River, which will enhance opportunities for passive and active recreation in the context of commercial riverfront activity. Furthermore, commercial and residential development opportunities within vacant parcels and existing buildings will spur future growth and strengthen connections to adjacent neighborhoods.
The team was asked to visualize a feasible conversion of an underutilized portion of prime riverfront property into a vibrant mixed-use area. The site is bordered by multiple rights-of-way for future planned bike greenways and access to the Westfield River. The site also showcases views of the Westfield River, Great River Bridges, and Clock Tower.
In collaboration with project leader McCabe Enterprises for economic development and planning expertise and Pare Corporation for civil and traffic engineering consultation, PLA developed four scenarios addressing Westfield’s planning goals in different ways, to be evaluated by the advisory committee.
