The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) contracted J. F. White to construct a streetscape for Vassar Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Vassar Streetscape design called for the demolition of the existing street and sidewalk, followed by a reconstruction that included a new roadway, sidewalks, bicycle lane, street lamps and an irrigation system to support the newly planted trees.
Vassar Street functions as a grand entrance to MIT's newest buildings, the Stata Center and the Brain and Cognitive Lab. The Vassar Streetscape is unique because its design focuses on bicyclists and pedestrians, rather than on cars and parking. Bicyclists have their own lane away from traffic, and pedestrians have crosswalks where the road is narrowed and easier to traverse. To improve visibility, J. F. White's Electrical team installed new overhead light fixtures and embedded small solar-powered lights in the pavement near all driveways and intersections. Some of the more challenging aspects of the Vassar Streetscape were: (1) coordinating with adjacent contractors on the Stata Center job; (2) managing the traffic lane changes and shutdowns; and (3) keeping the roadway accessible to pedestrian traffic.
The Vassar Streetscape project shows J. F. White's ability to construct innovative and technically sophisticated street designs.
