The owner of this large multi-unit apartment building in Cambridge, MA wanted to freshen up their courtyard and activate the space in order be more competitive with other Boston area complexes.  We are creating a series of connected outdoor living rooms with new permeable paving, landscaping, lighting, fencing for security and screening, grilling stations, and high end moveable seating and dining tables.  Preserving mature existing Honeylocust trees became a priority and a challenge.

This project earned a PRISM award from the Builders and Remodeler’s Association of Greater Boston.

Client:  Lincoln Property Management; John Hancock Insurance Co.

Contractor:  Labadini Corporation

This project presented the challenge of converting the narrow backyard of a recently built home into a multi-function social and gathering space, which also incorporated the owner’s passion for vegetable and flowering gardening, plus an open lawn space for the kids to play. Natural fieldstone seatwalls and bluestone paving provide New England authenticity and an air of informality. Careful consideration of the views from the kitchen and family room toward the neighbors influenced tree placement.

The planting palette was designed with an emphasis on colorful perennials and interesting foliage for year-round interest.

Design features include:

- Dining patio with custom wood pergola
- Fire table patio
- Effective screening to a neighbor’s property
- Street edge treatments for privacy
- Landscape lighting
- Automatic irrigation system

photography by Rosemary Fletcher

When is a parking lot not just a parking lot?

RDA worked with City of Newton Department of Public Works, Library Board of Directors, and Environmental Partners on the renovation of the Newton Free Library’s parking lot to accommodate new solar canopies.

The parking lot circulation was re-oriented and resilient features were added such as permeable paving and drainage improvements. The plantings were completely re-imagined, and RDA used a 100% native planting palette for the new parking lot islands and as replacement for turf lawn that surrounded an existing wetland. This reduces the use of pesticides, herbicides, and the need for weekly mowing, while increasing stormwater infiltration, habitat for critters, and creating a network of small pollinator friendly gardens.

This series of gardens changes colors and textures throughout the seasons, providing a new look from month to month.

Multi-phased, multi-year rehabilitation of 23 historic, four-story masonry buildings in the south end of Springfield built between 1913 and 1927 known as the Hollywood District. The neighborhood was designated a historic district and renamed Outing Park. RDA designed streetscape for over 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk, including new concrete sidewalks with decorative brick banding, new street trees, and historic style ornamental street lamps. New parking lots utilized low impact development techniques such as rain gardens to prevent overtaxing the existing combined sewer system. The total project cost was $75 million.

Owner/Developer: First Resource Companies

General Contractor: NEI General Contractors

Architect: The Architectural Team

A major back and front yard upgrade was overdue for this home built in the mid-90’s. The existing patio was an inadequate size to accommodate this family of five or to host larger gatherings. A large brick dining patio sits beside a natural bluestone sitting area which is oriented toward a pull-down outdoor movie screen. This feature has become a hit with the neighborhood kids!

The owner also wanted a vegetable and flowering gardening, so we created a raised garden frame of wood timbers. Natural fieldstone retaining walls that double as seating create a slightly-raised entertainment area separate from the lawn area. And a few granite steps provide a graceful transition down to the lawn.

RDA also guided this project through a permitting process with the local Conservation Commission, as the work fell within their jurisdiction.

Design features include:

- Dining patio with custom wood pergola
- Natural stone grill space with bar seating
- Bluestone patio with fire pit
- Custom movie screen frame
- New front walkway planting and lighting
- Automatic irrigation system

“Our outdoor space has been great and from spring through fall it is our most highly used space. We host parties, outdoor movie nights and family firepits. Michael was a great partner throughout the process. From the inception of the backyard idea to the completion of construction, Michael and his team worked closely with us and the contractor to ensure that the design was exactly what we wanted, that it was possible given our space, and that it stayed within our agreed upon budget. I would highly recommend Michael Radner and Radner Design Associates to anyone who is looking to design their perfect outdoor space. We couldn’t be happier.”

Our satisfied client

Landscape renovation of an exterior space in a Cambridge apartment community that transformed an unused open space into an active amenity space with natural gas-fueled firepit and cooking stations, dining spaces, and hang out space with hammocks and artificial turf. Additional lighting, masonry and plantings enhance the landscape. Completed in 2017.

Property Manager: Lincoln Properties

Contractor: Labadini, Inc.

RDA provided site planning, landscape design, project permitting and construction observation for ground up construction of 60 of units of multifamily residential with ground floor commercial space.  Extensive Article 80  BRA review and neighborhood review in Brighton of parking, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, lighting and site improvements.

An interior courtyard amenity space (on top of a parking structure) includes of outdoor cooking stations, natural gas fed fire pit, and a variety of seating and social spaces.  Completed in 2017.

Client: Saracen Properties

Architect: Cube3

The Owners needed a major facelift for their backyard social space, which had to be completed for an upcoming wedding. RDA worked closely with the contractor to procure all the needed materials, including a package spa and outdoor kitchen, in a timely manner.

Design features include:
- Dining patio with bluestone and clay brick pavers
- Natural stone grill space
- Fire table
- New plantings and lighting
- Automatic irrigation system

In a stunning waterfront location, a new memorial dedicated to natives of Gloucester who served in the armed forces and died overseas in the Vietnam War.

The previous location was deemed inappropriate and not in keeping with the prominence that such a sacred space deserved. Working closely with the City Department of Public Works, RDA assisted in locating a suitable location and siting the memorial plaza, in historic Stage Fort Park on Gloucester Harbor.

The project scope includes places for contemplation, celebration, and memorial ceremonies. The design program includes sitting areas, two shade structures, flagpoles, lighting, landscape, and a granite memorial as a focal point.

A private parochial school had big ideas on their mind when they embarked on a major expansion project in 2021. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, plans were developed which replaced an aging steam plant building with a state of the art STEM addition that joined two halves of the campus, and created two major campus green spaces in the process.

The two spaces relate to each other in a design sense, but have separate purposes; a linked series of contemplative spaces in one, with a student-centered social space in another. A new driveway with staff parking was built as well. A major element of pedestrian circulation connects the school campus to the adjacent St. Mary’s Church complex.

The project boosted the schools capacity to 700 students and provides a welcome new ‘front door’ and welcome space for prospective students. RDA, as the landscape architect of record, partnered with Chelgren and Associates Landscape Design. RDA coordinated the civil engineer’s work and led the design and Construction Administration process for construction of all hardscape and lighting elements.

Specific challenges on this project included planning and design on an existing urban campus with an active school population and coordination of existing utilities. The landscape team was also retained late in the design process, which resulted in additional coordination issues with the building architecture and civil design.

Architect: CBT

Civil Engineer: Allen & Major

Project area: 1.5 ac.

Project cost: $13.2M

Site planning, landscape design, project permitting and construction observation for LEED Gold rated conversion of industrial/warehouse space to office/flex/R&D space for technology and biotech companies. Renovations include rehab of existing parking, site and landscape lighting, pedestrian environment including installation of permeable concrete unit pavers, and new landscaped building entry sequence. Adjacent to the Minuteman Bike Trail in Bedford, MA allowed for reduction of parking counts.

Completed in 2017.

Owner: Longfellow Properties

Owner’s Representative: The Richmond Group

Civil Engineer: Highpoint Engineering

Architect: R.E. Dinneen Architects

Phase 2 of the Waterfront Square transit oriented development project at Wonderland Station at Revere Beach includes new construction of 230 luxury rental apartments. The project highlights oceanfront views and adjacent public transportation to Logan Airport and downtown Boston. At full build-out, Waterfront Square will feature some 1000 high-end residential units, a hotel and retail space clustered around a new public plaza and the iconic Markey Pedestrian Bridge built adjacent to a new garage and intermodal transit at the Wonderland northern terminus of the MBTA Blue Line. Completed 2016.

650 Ocean Ave. features multiple roof deck landscapes including fire feature, outdoor cooking stations, rooftop pool, gardens and private patios, and a fenced dog run.

Developer:       Upton + Partners, Inc.

General Contractor: Plumb House Construction Company, Inc.

Architect: Arrowstreet

On land that was once an access road and a paved parking lot for over 400 cars, Bridgewater State University created 5 acres of green space, knitting together the two halves of campus.  This $1.8 million project, completed in two phases in 2012 and 2013, provides informal lawn area, distinct plaza spaces for congregating, and a meandering contemplative garden path.

In addition, a section of 24 inch diameter drain pipe was removed and the previously buried stream was "daylighted" to create a natural water feature planted with native species that attracts wildlife.

The removal of vehicular traffic from the geographic center of campus has helped create a new identity for the University, which has been aggressively expanding their physical facilities over the past decade.

RDA has been proudly providing design and planning services to Bridgewater State University since 2004.

Owner:  Bridgewater State University - Bridgewater, MA

Civil Engineer:  Nitsch Engineering

Contractor:  Lawrence Lynch Corp.

Located in Lowell Massachusetts, Perkins Mill is a redevelopment project that converted an historic mill complex to apartments in several phases.  When RDA first visited the site, Perkins Street consisted of a partially paved way with old abandoned railroad tracks running down the middle of it.  We created a new streetscape consisting of sidewalks, drop off, building entry plaza, street lighting, street tree plantings, and a central courtyard.

As a result of the development team's work with the City of Lowell Historic Board, the Massachusetts Historic Commission, and the National Parks Service, the project was a recipient of a National Parks Service award for historic preservation.

The project is ongoing, with one additional phase planned to begin design in 2014.

Owner/Developer:  Mira Development

Architect:  Ganek Architects

Contractor:  Charter Environmental

Bristol Community College has a bucolic 100 acre  campus located in Fall River, MA.  After completing a landscape master plan in 2010, the College's first phase of implementation included creation of an employee dedication garden adjacent to the College's art gallery.  RDA generated working drawings and provided construction phase services.

Working collaboratively with artist Nancy Selvage, RDA sited six sculptures representing employees advancing levels of service. Each year, long serving employees names are added to plaques mounted on one of the sculptures.

The newly constructed walkway replaces a narrow, uninviting sidewalk with a gracious new entry to the campus.

Owner:  Bristol Community College - Fall River, MA

Binghamton University community lost 15 alumni in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  As a service to his alma mater, Michael Radner donated services in kind when he designed the master plan for a memorial courtyard in a space that had not seen improvements since its construction in the 1960's.  The project has evolved over the years to include other memorials to University students, staff and friends.

To learn more about the courtyard, visit the University website.

On the site formerly occupied by Symmes Hospital, construction of 165 units of luxury townhouses and flats were built on an 18 acre site.  70 percent of the site has been permanently preserved in open space for community use. 

The challenge of handling a 140 foot grade change from the street up to the building entries also became the property's greatest asset.  The configuration of the buildings allows unparalleled views to the Boston skyline.

Open space treatments include a 1 acre "Vista Park" with views to Boston, a steeply sloped passive park planted with native shrubs, grasses and perennials, a swimming pool built over a parking deck, and an active recreation area with basketball court, community garden and tot lot.

Owner:  Jefferson Apartment Group

Developer:  Upton & Partners

Architect:  The Architectural Team

Civil Engineer:  Beals & Thomas

Contractor:  NEI General Contracting

A small neighborhood park has arisen on the site of surplus MBTA land and a former dumping spot.  The design process was community-based, with several design presentations leading to more and more refined designs on a very limited budget.

The park is separated into two areas.  The first is the site of a former livery stable.  We re-created a stone foundation to evoke the footprint of that building which is long lost.  The second space features Cor-Ten steel plates, placed vertically in the ground in concentric rings to symbolize the Town's industrial past.  An historic bell salvaged from an old mill building fire was set as a focal point.

Owner:  Town of Southborough

Contractor:  Mountainview Landscaping

An importer of natural gas based in Everett, MA wanted to build a visitor's center to host potential clients and other dignitaries.  The program for the building (with a stair tower designed to resemble a gas storage tank) required construction of a well landscaped drop off zone, and an outdoor patio behind the building which was sized to accommodate a large tent for gatherings. 

The particular challenge on this project was that, due to the site's industrial heritage, a large portion of the soils are contaminated.  All of our site work and landscaping had to be installed on top of a pre-existing concrete slab.  Raised beds provided the necessary landscape setting.  We also designed a rooftop landscape so the facility can be viewed from a bird's eye perspective.

Owner:  GDF Suez / Distrigas

Architect:  Ganek Architects

Civil Engineer:  McKenzie Engineering Group

Contractor:  C.P. Berry Construction

RDA provided the full scope of landscape design services for a new Head Start school in Methuen, MA.  The focal point of the project was construction of a 'natural playground' that utilizes the natural contours of the site to create a variety of climbing and play experiences.

Slides built into a hillside, a watercourse powered by an old fashioned hand pump, and a grassy hill to climb up and roll down.  For development of upper body strength, a rope swing and a sculptural 'whale rock' (reminiscent of a landscape from the designer's youth).  Add in a trike path and a country store, and you've got a full spectrum of play for 3 to 6 year olds.

Check out the video below to see the construction of the whale sculpture.

Owner:  Greater Lawrence Community Action Council

Sculptor:  Joseph Montroy

Contractor:  Prime Landscaping