Quincy Center Revitalization: A Decade of Transformation
Ten years ago, the City of Quincy partnered with Howard Stein Hudson (HSH) to lay the foundation for a revitalized, pedestrian-friendly, and multimodal downtown. Today, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Quincy Center Revitalization, we reflect on how this transformational project has shaped the City’s growth and fostered lasting economic and community impact.
The Vision: A Connected and Livable Downtown
In the early 2010s, Quincy Center faced challenges familiar to many urban centers—aging infrastructure, disconnected streets, and underutilized public spaces. HSH worked closely with the Mayor of Quincy, Thomas P. Koch, on his vision for balancing transportation efficiency with placemaking. The goal was clear: create a thriving, walkable downtown that supports local businesses, encourages multimodal travel, and enhances the public realm. HSH worked with City officials, stakeholders, and Halvorson Design (now Tighe and Bond) to design a plan that would:
- Improve multimodal connectivity – Redesigned intersections, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and integrated bike lanes.
- Expand public transit access – Enhancements to MBTA connections to support commuters and visitors.
- Reimagine streetscapes – Sidewalk expansions, greenery, and lighting improvements to create an inviting atmosphere.
Strengthen community spaces – Design elements that encouraged foot traffic and local business engagement.
“The transformation of Quincy Center has been nothing short of remarkable. With the help of Howard Stein Hudson, and so many others, using their expertise in planning and infrastructure, we have revitalized our downtown district into the thriving center it is today for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
– Mayor Thomas P. Koch, City of Quincy, Massachusetts
A Decade of Impact: How Quincy Has Thrived
A decade later, the success of Quincy Center’s revitalization is evident. The area has grown into a dynamic hub for business, dining, and culture, reflecting the original vision that HSH helped bring to life.
A centerpiece of this transformation is Hancock Adams Common, a beautifully designed civic space that celebrates Quincy’s rich history while providing a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors. The project was featured on WCVB’s Chronicle, highlighting its lasting impact on the community—watch the segment below:
A Booming Local Economy
New developments have attracted businesses, restaurants, and corporate expansions, reinforcing Quincy as a major economic player in Greater Boston. Granite Telecommunications recently secured a $1 million tax incentive for expansion, underscoring the area’s continued investment potential.
A Diverse and Thriving Food Scene
Quincy Center has become a culinary hotspot, with a growing number of restaurants and food entrepreneurs choosing the City as their home. The area’s diverse and evolving restaurant scene has drawn national attention, making Quincy a destination for food lovers.
Sustained Commercial Growth
With an influx of new businesses setting up in downtown Quincy, the City continues to build on its success as a livable, accessible, and economically vibrant center.
Transformational Projects: Bridging Vision and Reality
The Quincy Center Revitalization is a prime example of how HSH works to connect municipalities with practical, forward-thinking design solutions. By balancing transportation, urban planning, and economic development, we help cities turn bold visions into real, lasting change.
As we reflect on the success of this project, we remain committed
to partnering with cities and towns to develop urban centers that are connected, accessible, and thriving.
Learn more about our work and how we’re shaping the future of urban spaces.
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