South Street Collective

Jamaica Plain is more than just a real estate market.

Like in many other urban and suburban neighborhoods, relationships between developers and community members get tense as properties are bought up. Activity from outside investors often leaves locals feeling left out of the decision-making process. Choices about how the neighborhood grows should not be made solely by developers and city agencies, and the ability to pay rent should not be the primary criteria used to select which businesses the neighborhood has access to.

The goal of this study was to explore ways in which neighborhood groups can pool resources and work with local building owners to have an active role in how their community evolves.

Phase: Concept Design
Year: 2017
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA.
Size: 5,400 sf.