DeNormandie Wharf stands as one of the few remaining unbuilt segments of the East Boston Harborwalk. This project, led by local landscape architecture firm Copley Wolff, is particularly significant, as it underscores the value of infill parcels in fostering connectivity and providing public open spaces that are both resilient and engaging. Careful collaboration with the city of Boston, local community leaders, and the development partner allowed the Landscape Architect to design a site plan that establishes a public space that offers ample access while addressing key challenges such as significant grade changes. The outcome is a thoughtful landscape design that balances contemporary urban issues - such as public accessibility, ecological sustainability, and community integration - and demonstrates the transformative power of landscape architecture in shaping environments that benefit both people and nature.

The site of DeNormandie Wharf is situated just three blocks from the Maverick MBTA Blue Line Station and occupies an important historical location along the waterfront. The site was originally home to Hodge Boiler Works, a metalworking shop founded in 1864 by Ebenezer and James Hodge. This company played a critical role in the industrial conversion of wooden clipper ships to steam-powered iron ships, marking a significant moment in maritime history. However, the site closed in the mid-1990s, leaving the waterfront area with a rich industrial legacy ripe for reinvention. The redevelopment began in earnest in 2016, during a period of significant transformation in East Boston, that included the creation of new parkland, the development of large multi-family housing complexes, and the rapid expansion of the East Boston Harborwalk.

First Steps
The East Boston Harborwalk itself is part of a much larger vision to create a 47-mile-long, multi-modal waterfront route stretching from East Boston to Dorchester, enhancing the city's connectivity while promoting ecological resilience and sustainable urban development. When the DeNormandie Wharf project was initiated, it represented one of the last major gaps in the Harborwalk's expansion. Closing this gap was particularly important due to the presence of larger, developed parcels to both the east and west of the site. To the west, LoPresti Park - a four-acre recreational amenity - provides a variety of community-oriented features, including playgrounds, basketball courts, fitness equipment, and a turf field. To the east, Clippership Wharf - a 15-acre mixed-use development - offers waterfront access, additional housing, and further public amenities, including Piers Park. The connection between these two major developments through DeNormandie Wharf was essential in creating a continuous public realm along the waterfront, thereby enhancing both the functionality and enjoyment of the space for residents and visitors alike.

 
Community engagement played a pivotal role in shaping the wharf's design. The two-year public process involved multiple meetings with the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) and local community organizations, ensuring that the final design met the public's desire for the closure of the Harborwalk gap and prioritized publicly accessible open spaces along the waterfront. This extensive feedback process resulted in a site plan that responds directly to the community's needs by integrating public access, recreational space, and environmental sustainability.

Landscape and Subspaces
The landscape design unfolds parallel and perpendicular to the waterfront, extending towards Sumner Street. One of the most striking features of the Harborwalk design is its curvilinear form, which accommodates a jog in the existing bulkhead shoreline with offset entry and exit points at the site's perimeter, creating fluid and dynamic movement. The curving path contrasts with the rigid, linear edge of the existing wharf, offering a welcoming, open space that invites pedestrians to linger and enjoy various subspaces along the way.

One of these spaces is "The Point," a gently sheltered overlook at the corner of the wharf that provides breathtaking views of downtown Boston and the Zakim Bridge. Another key feature is "The Stage," a space designed for small-scale arts performances and temporary art installations. This area provides a stunning backdrop with the Boston Harbor as its setting.

Additionally, a tiered viewing area located at the base of the slope allows visitors to observe performances while integrating seamlessly into the site's grading strategy that cleverly addressed a 7-foot grade transition between the Harborwalk and the public spaces above. This grade change is handled with a series of manageable vertical rises ranging from 24 to 30 inches, known as "The Bluff." The slope, part of the site's resiliency strategy, is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and functional, ensuring that the area remains accessible even during times of flooding or storm surges. This design consideration is particularly important given the region's coastal environmental conditions.

Atop The Bluff sits the Waterfront Terrace, a multi-functional public space that includes both small and medium-sized gathering areas with scenic views of the harbor. The terrace also features an amenity deck for residents, providing a private yet accessible space that overlooks the waterfront. An open plaza within the public portion of the terrace is designed to accommodate community gatherings, while a raised deck structure offers an ideal spot for a planned restaurant tenant, allowing patrons to enjoy the harbor and the surrounding area. A custom, curved pergola, crafted from wood and metal provides shade for visitors while blending seamlessly with the surrounding native seaside plantings.

Planting Design
The planting design for DeNormandie Wharf emphasizes native species, with over 40 different plant varieties selected for their adaptability to the coastal environment, including their salt tolerance and support for pollinators. These plants are arranged to provide blooms throughout the year, creating an environment that supports local wildlife and enhances the overall ecological health of the site.

Materials used in the construction of the landscape were carefully chosen for their durability against the harsh coastal conditions of high winds, storm surges, and seasonal flooding. Notably, hundreds of historic granite seawall blocks, which were once part of buried sluices and collapsed bulkheads, were salvaged and repurposed on-site. Initially intended to be crushed for backfill material, these stones were instead repurposed as seating elements and structural components for the terracing of The Bluff. This thoughtful reuse of materials reduces the environmental impact of the project and pays homage to the site's industrial heritage.

Impact
The redevelopment of DeNormandie Wharf serves as a prime example of how waterfront redevelopment can seamlessly integrate public open space, enhance coastal resilience, and improve community connectivity. Through careful design, thoughtful community engagement, and a commitment to sustainability, the project transforms this historic waterfront site into a vibrant and welcoming space for the people of East Boston and beyond while contributing to the long-term ecological health of the region. This project demonstrates the potential of landscape architecture to create spaces that serve social, environmental, and economic purposes, making the city more livable, sustainable, and resilient.