Tufts University Boathouse

The new Tufts University Boathouse is situated within the 220-acre development known as “River’s Edge” along the Malden River in Medford, Massachusetts. The Boathouse is the first building in this large, mixed-use development.

Situated above the floodline and wetlands but within the designated parkland along the river, the Tufts Boathouse building is shared with the community for seasonal events. The site plan created a new public walkway along the river. New benches, bike racks, a bikeway and a river overlook were constructed as part of this project. Because the site is a brownfield, extensive site remediation was required, including a cap of clean fill across the entire park and an edge of thorny plants to minimize public intrusion onto the riverbank. The project also removed invasive wetland species, restored native wetlands, and created a large plaza and steps to the river with pervious pavers which will allow rainwater to infiltrate. Shadley Associates worked with Tufts University, the master developer, the architect and the engineers on this project. Construction was completed in 2006.

The River’s Edge Park won a 2008 Design Honor Award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, and The Environmental Business Council’s James D.P. Farrell Brownfields Project of the Year Award for 2008.