For law-abiding residents, the Chelsea Walk has traditionally been somewhere to pass through quickly.
That perception may soon change. GreenRoots, City officials, and a local artist are working together to transform the Walk into a destination worth visiting. The collaborative effort has secured over $58,000 in funding plus a matching grant from MassDevelopment, positioning the group to begin a comprehensive redesign of this troubled corridor that connects the Cherry Street parking lot to the Broadway business district.
A public visioning session took place Monday on the Walk itself, featuring Chelsea-based artist Sylvia Lopez Chavez, who will oversee the design and implementation of improvements.
According to GreenRoots director Roseann Bongiovanni, the Walk represents an opportunity for meaningful downtown development. “We’re looking at murals, lighting, furniture and art installations on the roof fixtures to make it feel more friendly, inviting, safe and comfortable,” she said.
Two public visioning sessions are planned, with the first completed Monday. What follows will be rapid execution. A community paint day facilitated by Lopez Chavez is set for Aug. 3 and 4, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Within approximately one month, major improvements should be in place, potentially including game nights, additional seating, and other programming options.
“I’m excited about a new look and design for the walkway,” said City Manager Tom Ambrosino. “It would really make it pop. That the goal and it’s in a very visible spot.”
Lopez Chavez brings enthusiasm and experience to the project. Having completed mural and public art projects throughout Boston, she is now developing creative concepts specifically for the Walk. “There are a lot of very good ideas,” she said. “There is a desire to keep the community fabric and to retain a part of the history of Chelsea. There will be a lot of color. That’s a signature of mine. The space seems very art deco to me. I’m thinking of patterns…I’ve looked at textiles of different cultural background. It will just flow from the walls. I like the zig zag line that is already here. That will be a starting point.”
Community input is also shaping plans for the overhead rafters. Possibilities include hanging installations, lighting fixtures, and possibly colored plexiglass panels to create visual distinction.
The fundamental goal is straightforward: design a welcoming environment where people feel secure enough to linger.
Challenges remain, particularly in countering the influence of nearby bar patrons and removing criminal activity from the space. Monday’s event itself presented some issues requiring management.
Councilor Enio Lopez expressed support for the reclamation effort. “I think it’s a very good idea to beautify this space and to help in what GreenRoots is doing,” he said. “It’s going to look great. We need to beautify this area, especially around this bar where there are so many problems. It’s the only bar that opens at 7 a.m.”