Description:
Seeking designers, architects and urbanists to provide
design, technical assistance and other support to area business owners to
activate and beautify Chelsea’s downtown through sidewalk downtown, decorative
planters, and other temporary installations.
Work will supportChelsea Prospers, the
City of Chelsea’s initiative to increase the economic vitality of the historic
commercial center of this small gateway city.Activities include special events and other space activation, public
art, and other projects to nurture neighborhood identity, promotion and civic
engagement. We seek a Fellow to inspire the small business owners and property owners
to creatively envision the potential of their properties.
In
2019 the City of Chelsea enacted new zoning regulations to facilitate
activation of the public realm by district businesses. Chelsea’s downtown holds
significant assets including an intact historic building fabric, diverse local
people and culture, numerous independently-owned retail shops and restaurants,
all in close proximity to downtown Boston.Engaging businesses in the enhancement
of the retail corridor will foster a morevibrant, pedestrian-friendly
and healthy neighborhood.
The Public Space
Enhancement Specialist will provide design, technical assistance and other
supports to business owners, commercial property owners, neighborhood groups,
municipal officials and city staff regarding the
activation of public space in Chelsea’s downtown. Modest funds are available to
provide grants and source supplies to execute activation projects. Working closely with the Downtown Coordinator and other
staff of the Planning and Development Department of the City of Chelsea, tasks
include:
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Survey
the district to identify key sites and business partners.
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Suggest
temporary space activation ideas to animate public space such as sidewalk and
alleyway dining, parklets, planters, and sandwich boards.
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Within
the Broadway Design Guidelines and municipal ordinances, develop design options. Clearly illustrate ideas.
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Develop budgets. Source materials.
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Consult
with business owners, property owners and city staff. Present concept proposals.
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Support
business and property owners in permitting. Recommendation operational plans.
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Execute
and support installation.
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Execute
programming as appropriate.
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Suggest policy and process changes to city staff as appropriate.
The term is
anticipated to be 12 weeks, roughly May through August, 2020.
Chelseais easily accessed by several bus routes, the commuter rail and Silver
Line. The district is just 4 miles from downtown Boston and 5 miles from
Kendall Square.
Qualifications:
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Background in Architecture, Design, or affiliated field.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with
diverse individuals and groups.
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Creative thinking and collaborative approach.
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Proficient with design tools and basic computer skills.
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Ability
to work independently and complete assigned tasks within identified time
frames.
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Organized,
dependable and detail oriented.
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Desire to learn, improve skills/understanding of the field, and
further Chelsea’s community building and economic development goals.
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Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.