Plans to transform Town Center into a more vibrant pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly area were previewed at the June 29 Select Board meeting.
Jesse Baerkahn of Graffito SP and Anthony Rich of Legacy Place outlined plans to change Town Center traffic patterns, fill green spaces with more activities, and rent vacant spaces to tenants who will attract more visitors. They also plan to replace banners and change signage. They have already started repainting buildings for a cleaner, more contemporary look. Implementation will begin in October and all plans are expected to be completed by Apri
Baerkahn said the Planning Board has approved their project.
Plans for the green spaces include a skating rink, outdoor volleyball, soccer field, and dog park. Baerkahn said they were partnering with other groups to bring this about — the Eliza J. Norton Foundation for the skating rink; Boston United Volleyball Club in Wayland for outdoor volleball; a private nonprofit citizen group for the dog park; and the town for the soccer field.
Baerkahn said these activities would be temporary until they developed those sites in the future. He did not disclose how long they would last, nor did he disclose what their future development plans were for the green spaces. He did, however, say the goal was to rent to “best-inclass” tenants in the 150,000-square-foot space.
He said most visits to Town Center were “purpose-based” and they want to change the mix.
“We are looking for tenants to change the feel and function and make it feel like a town center,” he said. “We are close to getting two or three great new tenants,” He did not reveal the names but suggested a café, bookstore, and ice cream shop as possibilities.
According to Baerkahn, prospective tenants’ perception was that Town Center’s ownership was not actively engaged, and his group is looking to change that. He said the new ownership is “willing to take the risk” to attract new tenants by spending money and time.
With all of the changes, Town Center traffic patterns will look different, too. Elissa Avenue will become a pedestrian-only walkway with outdoor seating. The avenue will be blocked off to traffic with bollards at each end. Baerkahn said he is working with Town Manager Michael McCall to purchase outdoor seating with a $92,000 grant the town received for this purpose.
There will be a separate, safer rail trail entrance to Town Center, he said. Trash bins will be removed, and new plantings will make the area more appealing. Baerkahn said he is collaborating with the Russell’s and Terrain’s managers who also wish to take advantage of the rail trail. He is planning for Town Center to be part of Russell’s 150th anniversary celebration. According to Baerkahn, the current Town Center’s owners viewed the rail trail proximity as an asset.
With the Planning Board’s approval, they will be constructing larger signage and different placement at the Route 20 and 27 entrances. He said better gateway signage is needed because out-of-town drivers can’t see the current signage and are unaware of Town Center. The current signage, he said, is not working for tenants. Town Center’s management is also considering stop signs and crosswalks to slow people down.
