Downtown Gateway Pittsfield 1997-1998 The Pittsfield Gateway Project was initiated by the City of Pittsfield and the Office of State Senator Nuciforo to improve a one-block area in Downtown Pittsfield. This study area, to the south of the historic Park Square, contains the Berkshire Museum, the Berkshire County Courts, the former Colonial Theater (slated for restoration), and other important institutions. The study was conducted by the Urban Places Project at the University of Massachusetts and included studio work by both Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning students, several community workshops, and urban design development. The project won the 1998 Planning Project Award from the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association. The design concept includes: A pedestrian corridor through the center of the block and located on an axis terminating near City Hall to the north of Park Square. Landscaped parking that significantly increases spaces within the block while creating a plaza atmosphere through the use of plantings and colored paving. Streetscape improvements to visually link the block to other parts of the downtown. Changes in the traffic flow around Park Square to improve safety and access for both drivers and pedestrians. Overall, this area has the potential to build on its historical and cultural assets to welcome travelers, encourage them to stop and visit, and strengthen the existing cluster of arts and cultural activities to capitalize on the regional increase in demand for art and cultural activities.

Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning
University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 01003, USA

Last Modified May 1998
upp@larp.umass.edu
http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~upp