J.F White was hired by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to create a Streetscape for Vassar Street. The Vassar Streetscape design called for the demolition of the existing street and sidewalk and reconstruction of the sidewalks and pavement, a bike way, an irrigation system, Ginko trees and new street lights.
Vassar Street functions as a grand entrance to MITs 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 small solar-powered lights that are embedded into 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 shut downs, 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.