Additional signature projects

In addition to our TCG clients, here are some other signature projects members of the TCG staff have been involved in throughout our careers:

Hudson Open Space & Recreation Plan (2016) - The Town of Hudson, MA's previous Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) expired and an update was needed.  This Plan will be good for many years, and will make Hudson eligible to apply for grant programs.  OSRPs also help to coordinate with ongoing acquisition efforts of state environmental agencies and local and
regional land trusts.  The update is completed & is pending state approval.  Much of the visioning and brainstorming sessions from the 2014 Hudson Master Plan Open Space & Recreation forum and Natural Resource Preservation forum were utilized for this planning endeavor.  Learn more...

Hudson Town Hall Restoration (1998) - Hudson's historic Town Hall was confined to the first floor, as upper floors were uninhabitable and non-ADA compliant.  Through a $350,000 Mass. Historic Preservation grant, the upper floors were redone and the beautiful auditorium, complete with stage, was restored.  The ornate wooden staircase was preserved, while putting in an elevator for accessibility.  The 1979 structure now is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2014 - A $30,000 CPA grant was won for a full envelope assessment, to look at all aspects of weather proofing this historic building - roof, insulation, windows, doors, brick, moisture testing, heat loss and even HVAC.

2015 - A $195,000 CPA grant was won to restore intrinsic, exterior architectural elements.

Hudson Master Plan (2014) - Hudson’s last Master Plan dated from 1964, and the community required more than a simple update.  This comprehensive long range plan is intended to guide Hudson's community’s growth and development.  It includes analysis, recommendations, and proposals for the Hudson’s population, economy, housing, transportation, preservation, energy, community facilities, and land use.  Hudson’s Plan also included cutting edge chapters on Public Health/Social Services, as well as Energy/Sustainability.  Hudson’s Master Plan was adopted by the Planning Board in November 2014, and subsequently won an Outstanding Planning Award from the APA-MA.   Learn more...

Route 85/Washington Street (2014) - This complex upgrade to the state Route 85/Washington Street corridor in Hudson, MA was an $11 million dollar road widening and reconstruction project.  The roadway, widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes, also included the addition of turning lanes, three traffic signals, a modern roundabout, sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle shoulders. 

With design funded by a private retailer along the corridor, this project was a perfect public/private partnership - involving private businesses, the Town of Hudson, MassDevelopment, MassDOT, the Inter-Agency Permitting Board, and the MBTA.   

Bonazzoli Property, 173 Washington Street (2011) -  Control of this hazmat site was critical to the Route 85/Washington Street roadway project in Hudson, MA, as the new road layout would go through building and underground tanks were in land needed for roadway.  To assist MassDOT, the Town took the road slivers by eminent domain and negotiated the purchase of the rest of the site.  With site assessment and soil/ground water remediation grants won from MassDevelopment, the newly cleaned site was auctioned in December 2014 to be put back into productive use.

Lexington Community Center (2014) - In 2013, Lexington appropriated $15 million to purchase and renovate the Scottish Rite property on Marret Road.  The 10.3 acre site includes three buildings.  Phase 1 divided the basement into fitness spaces, an arts and crafts room and a space for the Fix-It shop.  The ground floor contains staff offices, a dining room, a library and a multi-use game room. The second floor will have rooms dedicated to meeting spaces, such as for conferences and lectures, as well as the Town human services and recreation departments.  Phase 2 will include building a full-sized gym, a commercial kitchen, a multipurpose room and a teen center, among other amenities.

Leading By Example Energy Efficiency Award (2011) - The Town of Hudson, MA won the Leading By Example Award presented by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.  The LBE Awards recognize outstanding efforts among state agencies, public colleges/universities, and municipalities that have implemented policies or programs that have led to significant and measurable environmental and energy benefits.  Many of Hudson’s key facilities are areas or buildings located within the historic district.  While many municipalities shy away from retrofitting historic buildings, the Town has made great effort to work within preservation guidelines not only for historic accuracy, but also for energy efficiency & sustainability.  Where possible, new projects within the historic district are also made as environmentally friendly as possible.   

Hudson Open Space & Recreation Plan (2011) - The focus of this plan is to help the community retain and enhance its natural environment.  In preparation for this plan update, the Town of Hudson, MA conducted visioning and brainstorming sessions about what an ideal Hudson will look like 5, 10, and 15 years in the future.  Goals were set as were steps to work towards that vision, especially as it relates to purchasing and protecting key parcels of land.  Similarly to earlier planning studies, a good balance between the natural environment and development continues to be essential to the quality of life goals in this community.    

Hudson Senior Center (2010) - In 2007, the Hudson, MA began the complex $5.5 million dollar project of restoring a 7,500 SF 1859 historic mansion and built a 6,500 SF historically-replicated addition. The funding for this project included winning two Community Development Block Grants - $500,000 for design and $900,000 for construction, along with winning $60,000 in CPA historical preservation funds, along with municipal appropriations.  The Center now features a commercial kitchen, 125-seat function hall, fitness room, media room, craft room, library, game room, gift shop and even a deck overlooking Bruce's Pond.  The Senior Center opened in May 2010.   

Library Window Project (2010) - In 2010, the Town of Hudson, MA won an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) in the amount of $150,000 to replace exterior windows in the Hudson Public Library.  The grant was provided through special round of federal stimulus funding (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act - ARRA funds) through the Department of Energy Resources.  The project was supplemented with a $60,000 grant from CPA funds.  The project replaced 55 window openings, comprising 117 historically-appropriate, individual window units - making up approximately 30% of the building’s total exterior - throughout the 1905 building.   

Cellucci Skate & Splash Park (2008) - In 2008, Hudson, MA won approximately $1.5 million in total funding from multiple sources including a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Dept. of Environmental Management (DEM) grant, Urban River Visions funds, and municipal appropriations.  With these funds, Hudson designed and developed the Cellucci Skate and Splash Park, complete with band stand, and playground equipment.  A tangential project funded by CDBG grant funds then upgraded a municipal parking lot with lighting, landscaping, and amenities, and built several smaller trail connections for pedestrian access.    

Assabet River Rail Trail - Phase 1 (2005) - The ARRT, as it is now known, was funded through the Boston MPO and overseen by MassHighway.  The full trail route will run through five communities - Marlboro, Hudson, Stow, Maynard and terminate at the Acton train station.  Phase 1 of the ARRT, opening in 2005, includes 5.5 miles of trail through Hudson and Marlboro.  Phase 2, the Acton-Maynard section, is currently underway.  Phase 3, connecting Stow, will be the last completed.  Learn more...

Historic Facade Renovation Program (2003-2009) - Funded by two successful Community Development Block Grants, the Facade Program has assisted the business community in historic downtown Hudson, MA with everything from smaller projects such as replacing awnings, signage, windows or brick cleaning to complete, historically appropriate exterior renovations. 

Urban River Visions (2003) - This innovative visioning strategy engaged the community of Hudson, MA to discuss community ideas, goals, and potentials for the river and the historic Downtown. How could the Assabet River be used to help revitalize Hudson’s Downtown and would revitalizing the Downtown also revitalize Hudson’s use of the river?  Goals included water quality, wildlife habitat, land protection strategies, river access, and visual aesthetics.  Learn more...