BOSTON, MA— Lee Kennedy Company has officially broken ground on Charlesbank on the Esplanade, a transformative new public campus anchored by the Smith Family Pavilion.
Developed in collaboration with the Esplanade Association (EA) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the project is set to reconnect Boston with one of its most iconic green spaces.
The Charlesbank area, long closed off to the public, is being reimagined as a universally accessible, inclusive, and sustainable urban hub. Designed to serve a diverse population—from nearby healthcare workers seeking respite to families and residents in search of recreation—the site will blend natural beauty with modern amenities.
The new campus will feature a hybrid construction method combining mass timber and traditional steel, aligning with sustainability goals while expediting the construction schedule. The use of prefabricated solid wood panels and beams supports both environmental performance and visual appeal.
Planned indoor and outdoor features include:
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Children’s play areas
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Reservable community rooms for events and educational programs
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Multipurpose sports courts
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A welcoming café
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A rooftop deck overlooking the Charles River
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Free public Wi-Fi
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Year-round universal restrooms
The project team includes Maryann Thompson Architects and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, working alongside EA, DCR, and Lee Kennedy Co.
Charlesbank on the Esplanade aims to become a vibrant, inclusive space that reflects Boston’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community connection.
