Town Common designer is chosen, plans underway
Published on September 16th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - A town common in the center of Stoneham is a step closer to becoming a reality following Wednesday night's selection of the architect for phase II of the Town Common and Parking Project.
The firm of Levy, Eldrich & Wagner was chosen by the Town Common and Parking Committee's 6 to 2 vote, following interviews of the two candidates who responded to the town's request for proposals.
Levy, Eldrich & Wagner is the firm currently working on phase I of the project, development of an expanded municipal parking lot in the Square.
Committee Chairman Mark Vaughan advised the committee, prior to the interviews, that a subcommittee met two weeks ago to review the applications received. With just two applicants responding, the subcommittee considered its two choices: choose one of the two or go out for rebid.
Vaughan stated at that time, "This is an important project for the town, one that we should not rush into."
Despite the subcommittee's 2 to 1 vote to go out for bid again with the hopes of attracting a wider selection of candidates, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting recommended interviewing the two respondents. He suggested at that point, that if neither candidate offered the committee what it was looking for, then going out for rebid would then be the next appropriate step.
Moriece & Gary, a landscape architectural firm from Charlestown, was the first firm to be interviewed. Ben Gary, a principal with the outfit, illustrated some of the projects his firm has worked on elsewhere for which, he stated, every detail is thought out, from grass and concrete, to lighting fixtures and benches.
"It's a stroke of genius to do this," stated Gary, in commending the town's decision to build the common.
He called the surrounding religious and town buildings an advantage to the common's location and suggested incorporating some of the town's shoe manufacturing history into the common's theme. In addition, he spoke of the importance of vehicular and pedestrian access.
Committee member Grace McManus stated that she admired Moriece & Gary's concern for details. Vaughan stated that he was impressed by the firm's level of effort in researching the town for the presentation.
Committee member Stephen Born stated that he considered the projects displayed by Moriece & Gary good, relevant designs.
Committee member Don Borchelt commented, however, that he was most concerned for the learning curve Moriece & Gary would have to work through.
"We're comfortable with the other guys regarding the traffic... these guys will be a risk," stated Borchelt.
From its work on the parking lot phase of the project, Levy, Eldrich and Wagner, in contrast, have become familiar with the town, the common area and the traffic pattern.
In the second interview, Gene Bollinger, Principal for Levy, Eldrich & Wagner, stated "We are extremely interested in continuing with the town of Stoneham...I think we share a good rapport with the committee, provide good service to town, and have developed a good first phase..."
Also in Levy, Eldrich & Wagner's favor was it's focus on the most ambitious design scheme for the common that the committee is considering. Bollinger focused much of his presentation on the impact to the town's budget and infrastructure and offered suggestions to maximize use of surrounding existing space, particularly parking at the Town Hall and First Congregational Church, while optimizing green space in the largest design.
"This is an opportunity that doesn't come along often...There aren't many towns taking buildings down and converting to green space," stated Bollinger. He considered the project a great opportunity to link Main Street with the Town Hall.
Bollinger described his firm's related experience as development common areas in urban and less urban settings, reconfiguration of accesses in and out of the Boston Common and the Public Garden and the ability to work with builders involved in concurrent projects in a town. The latter may be something Stoneham faces with development of the common happening simultaneously with the police station renovation.
Bollinger suggested that the committee visit other community commons to identify what ideas it might incorporate into Stoneham's common.
Borchelt praised Bollinger's outlook on the ambitious scheme.
"These guys are willing to fight for it...they want to come here in 10 years and show this project...," stated Borchelt.
Committee member Joe Slavet spoke of the comfort level the committee had in the firm and in particular with Bollinger in phase I of the project, calling him "very adaptive and client oriented."
With Levy, Eldrich & Wagner chosen to design phase II, Vaughan reminded the committee that the architect is "only as good as the ideas we give them."
The Town Common and Parking Committee look forward to public input into the five town common design schemes at Town Day on Saturday.
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