Role: Design Consultant

Client: Lowell Heritage Partnership & Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Year: 2017

Vision planning to transform waterways from engines of industry into vibrant public spaces.

PROBLEM

The multiple rivers and canals that crisscross the city once drove the industrial growth of the City, but had been neglected after 150 years of use and disinvestment. While the waterways had potential to connect people, the complex ownership structure of the systems posed a challenge for its maintenance and enhancement. The City’s most distinctive feature was left underutilized.

SOLUTION

In October of 2015 the Lowell Heritage Partnership approached Solomon Office for assistance in creating a new vision for the public space surrounding the waterways in Lowell. By celebrating water-based resources through demonstration events, participatory mapping, and artistic illustrations, the Waterways Vitality Initiative was able to rally the community and major stakeholders around a celebration of the water-based resources in Lowell.

OUTCOME

• An initial investment of $11k leveraged a commitment of $1M in funding to enact recommendations in the year after launch.

• The video promoting the plan garnered 40,000 views in less than one week.

• The plan won a 2017 MassInc. Innovation Award