J Malden Center is a transit-oriented mixed-use development that connects Malden’s primary retail street with the MBTA Station in Malden Center. The development is comprised of two city blocks. The south block includes ground floor commercial space, a parking garage and seven stories of residential units that include two rooftop amenity decks. The north block contains office space for City Hall and six stories of residential units.
As the landscape architect and project manager, my responsibilities included the design of four new streetscapes, a civic plaza, and two rooftop amenity decks. As a tribute to the City’s rich history, both feature and retaining walls within the plaza were constructed using granite blocks salvaged from the foundation of The First Church of Malden that once stood on the site. The church’s cornerstone and church bell were also reclaimed and used within the site design.
The design of the main amenity deck was split into two zones- active and passive. The active zone contains a swimming pool, cabanas, a pergola with swinging chairs, and a gaming area. The passive zone contains fire pits, a pergola with an outdoor kitchen and grills, and a lawn for yoga and respite. The second amenity deck is on the seventh story, includes a fire pit and seating areas that offer views of the Boston Skyline.
