Designing a master plan for Dorchester’s first mixed-use gathering place

South Bay Master Plan and Design

How do you energize a big-box retail center in a car-centric neighborhood? With inviting sidewalks, landscaping, and a mix of uses—this is how we worked with a developer to reinvent over 10 acres (4 hectares) of underutilized land in Boston’s historic Dorchester neighborhood. Our master plan and building design of South Bay creates a place of community that is walkable from the surrounding neighborhood to promote a low-carbon lifestyle. New retail and local dining options include Wahlburger’s—the Wahlberg family has roots in Dorchester—a 12-screen cinema, and the vibrancy of a 175-room hotel activate District Avenue.

In addition to the master plan, our architecture team designed four mixed-use buildings that are a modern adaptation of Dorchester’s masonry and clapboard character. Painted brick facades on ground-level retail spaces, bay windows, and cornices provide pedestrian interest and are a welcome antidote to the big-box retail experience. A hidden residential courtyard offers a private common area featuring lush plantings, a pool, and barbecue grills. Streetside, luxurious landscaping, metal work, and murals by local artists create a unique place in Boston.

Embraced by the community since opening, this dynamic public space benefits the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the neighborhood.