Powder House Square, Somerville, MA
Nathan Tufts Park is a significant historic treasure and beautiful
green space within the City of Somerville. The Powder House, sitting above some of the oldest crossroads in the area, has been a landmark
for nearly four centuries. The City hired Brown, Richardson & Rowe to implement the recommendations of The Cultural Landscape
Report and Master Plan, completed in November 2000. The project
involved a number of preservation and maintenance issues, such as
the views to and from the Powder House and the naturalistic character
of plantings. Our in-house horticulturalist reviewed existing vegetation
for health and appropriateness, recommended pruning and removals,
and suggested period species to enhance the park's historic character.
The end result is simplified circulation and access, preservation
of remnant carriageways, an inviting green entry to the park,
ADA compliance of handrails and stairs, appropriateness and
safety of paving and surface drainage materials, site furnishings,
lighting, signage, and an interpretive program for historic
elements and vegetation.
interpretive exhibit of pickle jars
