Lechmere Canal - It's More Than a Shopping Mall

Why is the Lechmere Canal area such a success?

The short answer is good planning and professional, long-term follow-through.

 

 

Lechmere in the 1970's

Lechmere Canal in 1970's with future site of CambridgeSide Galleria 

If you want to learn more about the planning process of this East Cambridge Riverfront neighborhood that has gone through an amazing transformation, you can view a 27 minute interview with planner Dennis Carlone and Conservancy president  Renata von Tscharner , by clicking here.

Until the early 1970’s the Lechmere area – you might recall Lechmere Sales and Warehouse liquor store – was an area of dilapidated buildings and huge parking lots. The City of Cambridge commissioned architect and urban designer Dennis Carlone to produce a plan to bring about a lively new neighborhood with residences, offices, stores, restaurants, hotels, and a 13-acre public space system, which formed the backbone of the 40-acre project.

And the result is a truly urban and livable waterfront.  It is still the only place along the first ten miles of the Charles River where you can have a meal right on the water’s edge. On the Lechmere Canal you see a concentration of high density living, of compact office buildings, and of course the CambrideSide Galleria. And all within a stone throw of public transportation.

Lechmere today with CambridgeSide Galleria at center.

Explore this rejuvenated part of Cambridge, and enjoy.

To see the conversation between CRC president Renata von Tscharner and Dennis Carlone click here for the  Charles River Conservancy YouTube site. The show also includes historic vistas of the site juxtaposed with pictures of how the area looks today.