Boston Market District, Boston, MA

Feasibility Study, Establish a Historic Public Market District

The Market

Haymarket, a Friday/Saturday street market (est 1830) sets up stalls alongside historic market storefronts selling fresh produce, meats, fish and specialties. The gritty and authentic market draws an extraordinarily diverse and local crowd – in contrast to the nearby Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market that are overrun with tourists and chain stores.

The Job

The Redevelopment Authority of Boston requested a feasibility study to investigate the establishment and protection of a historic market district centered around the Haymarket. The market district study identified: market characteristics, uses, management options, vendor interest, public spaces, access, parking, development opportunities for indoor market halls in adjacent properties, customer traits, costs and mitigation plans to ensure continuous operations during construction. Public meetings, time lapse photography, vendor interviews and customer surveys were some of the many tools applied during the study. (In colloboration with PPS)