2025 Capstone Course Project: Vision Plan – Gillette 31-Acre Site

Our Spring 2025 Capstone course MetroBridge project focused on developing a vision plan for two local clients: the Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) and the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA). This initiative built upon the Gillette project undertaken in the Fall 2024 Research and Evaluation Methods course.

Project Background

The Gillette South Boston site, encompassing 31 acres, is undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use, climate-resilient waterfront community. Led by Proctor & Gamble, this transformation aims to convert the former industrial site into a vibrant neighborhood featuring:

  • Housing options

  • Commercial spaces

  • Open green areas, including a waterfront park

The overarching goal of the project is to revitalize the area and foster a more inclusive community.

Two local organizations aimed to prepare for the proposed development and make informed decisions about the future of the site. This project was designed to create a Vision Plan for the 31-acre area, delivering essential insights to guide the development process.

The collaborative effort emphasized key urban planning components, including:

  • Population diversity

  • Housing diversity

  • Open and civic spaces

  • Street networks

  • Waterfront accessibility

  • Transit options

This initiative equipped the FPNA and WBNA with valuable data and insights while providing students with a practical opportunity to apply research methods to a real-world urban planning challenge.

The full vision plan from the Capstone course can be found here.

Photo courtesy of the Boston University Initiative on Cities