Project Name: MARCELLA HIGHLAND E+
Location: ROXBURY, MASSACHUSETTS
Client/Developer: Boston Redevelopment Authority, Urbanica
Landscape Architect: Jessica Leete
Year Designed: 2012

The City of Boston initiated an E+ Green Building Program with the first developers being selected in September 2012. This site proved very challenging to a standard development process. Not only is the neighborhood highly engaged and looking for ways that the development of the previously abandoned lots can fund a community benefits land-trust, create jobs for current residents, and expand an existing Youth and Community Center; but the discrepancy between historic styles and contemporary design thinking poses additional challenges as well. The design concept for the landscape on this site incorporated food-producing plant species that would become part of a community-wide network of productive landscape. Unfortunately this visionary aspect was ignored in the construction and only the form was mimicked.