EBC Nicholas Humber Award for Outstanding Collaboration
Award Project: Cambridge Crossing (CX)
Award Recipients:
- DivcoWest
- CBT Architects
- Beals and Thomas, Inc.
- Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
- The Vertex Companies
- Jacobs
- East Cambridge Planning Team
- Weston & Sampson
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (Green Line Extension)
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
- Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
- Goulston & Storrs
- Galluccio & Watson, LLP
- ML Strategies
- Mintz
- CSL Consulting
- Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.
The EBC Nicholas Humber Award for Outstanding Collaboration is awarded to Cambridge Crossing (CX) for the redevelopment of 43 acres of former industrial land and rail yards into a vibrant transit-oriented mixed-use urban community. Innovative stormwater amenities engage the public, and extensive infrastructure improvements include 5,600 feet of new City streets with bicycle lanes, both raised above the 2070 SLR to address resiliency. Utilities include off-site MWRA sewer connection and off-site sewer separation. CX integrates multi-modal transit, including the relocation of the MBTA Lechmere Station onto the site and the extension of both the Minuteman Bikeway and Somerville Community path. “Urban archaeology” is incorporated through the re-use of granite blocks encountered during excavation and heavy timbers to reflect the site’s former rail use. CX celebrates equality and inclusivity with open spaces and roads named after leaders who’ve made an impact in the community, including Cambridge resident Gertrude Wright Morgan.
The team worked closely with the MBTA on the relocation of Lechmere Station, with MWRA on sewer considerations, with MassDOT on Gilmore Bridge access and improvements to O’Brien Highway, and with the Cities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston to connect their neighborhoods through pedestrian and bike paths.
Presenting the Award:
Rebecca Tepper, Secretary
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
EBC Nicholas Humber Award for Outstanding Collaboration
Award Project: Coonamessett River Restoration
Award Recipients:
- Town of Falmouth Conservation Commission
- Inter-Fluve, Inc.
- Tighe & Bond, Inc.
- SumCo Eco-Contracting
- STIMSON
- Sciaba Construction
- The 300 Committee Land Trust
- Coonamessett River Trust
- Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
- Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program
- Massachusetts Environmental Trust
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Restoration Center
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Falmouth Community Preservation Fund
- Association to Preserve Cape Cod
- Falmouth Rod & Gun Club, Inc.
The EBC Nicholas Humber Award for Outstanding Collaboration is awarded to the Coonamessett River Restoration Project in recognition of the successful transformation of 56 acres of abandoned cranberry bogs which established a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem supporting wildlife, increasing coastal resiliency, and providing educational opportunities. Numerous barriers to fish passage were removed including a dam, water control structures, a series of undersized culverts that were replaced with the new John Parker Road Bridge, and 5,560 feet of the river were reestablished to closely match the historic natural flow of the river. A river overlook is the gateway to miles of trail with interpretive signs about the history and natural history placed along the river that is protected by town and land trust conservation lands. Project partners spanning local, state, and federal organizations collaborated with the technical engineering and construction teams to successfully complete this project. The restoration is serving as a catalyst for other Cape Cod communities to transform former cranberry bogs across the region into thriving wildlife habitat, and educational and recreational opportunities for all.
Presenting the Award:
Martin Suuberg
Commissioner
Department of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth of Massachusetts