Moulton Square is a triangular intersection, approximately 1/2 acre in size, located at the junction of West Sixth, Hampshire, and Jewett Streets in Centralville. The square is surrounded by homes, a corner store, and Msgr. Keenan Playground. Prior to its reconstruction, the square was known for its high vehicle speeds, dangerous intersections, wide pavement widths, and unsafe pedestrian crossings.

In 2001, the City Council directed the Division of Planning and Development to demolish the run-down, vacant building behind the playground. This rambling brick structure had formerly served as the headquarters of the Lowell Water Works, and later the Parks Department, but had fallen into severe disrepair. The demolition of this building uncovered nearly an acre of land. Based on a series of public meetings with the neighborhood, it was decided that the City would undertake a project to expand the park, improve the square, and redevelop the remaining portion of the building for public uses.

Work on the park began in Spring 2003, and included the replacement of old play equipment, the installation of a basketball court, the addition of parking for playground users and neighborhood residents, and landscaping. Bryant Associates, an engineering/design firm, was hired to design the improvements to the square. Using their expertise at roadway engineering and feedback provided by the neighborhood, Bryant was able to work with the City to develop a scheme that would slow traffic, improve pedestrian crossings, increase greenspace, beautify the neighborhood with plantings and trees, and eliminate dangerous intersections - all while maintaining the amount of parking available in the square.

Construction on the square began in July 2004, and continued through the summer. The small island in the center was enlarged and turned into a sea of lilies, street trees, a lawn, flowering bushes, masonry accents, and three planting beds that are designed and maintained by Centralville residents. A stone monument announces the name of the square to drivers and pedestrians. Additional street trees along Jewett and Hampshire Streets frame the project and tie it into the surrounding neighborhood.

Traffic calming and pedestrian improvements were installed to slow vehicles and enhance the safety and comfort of pedestrians. Wide sidewalks narrow the roadway and shorten crossing distances. Textured crosswalks increase the visibility of pedestrians and discourage speeding. A dangerous blind intersection was eliminated by making the legs of the triangle a one-way pair. New road surfaces, pavement markings, signage, and storm drains enhance the street's appearance and function.

The Lowell Police Department procured an architect to study the redevelopment of the building at 10 Hampshire Street for a neighborhood precinct and meeting space, and is working towards rehabilitating it according to their recommendations. The Department of Public Works is extending the project by reconstructing the roadway and sidewalks for the length of Jewett and Hampshire Streets, and implementing traffic calming measures where those roads meet Bridge Street.

The City of Lowell thanks the Moulton Square neighbors and the Centralville community for their help and patience throughout the design and construction phases, and hopes that the project, and the relationships it built, will enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood for years to come.

Primary Contact:
Pardis Saffari, Neighborhood Planner
Division of Planning and Development
Phone: 978-446-7200