The Boston Architectural College chose Thompson's Point for the subject of a semester-long classroom study. This 30 acre waterfront development site is the largest, most unique site available for purchase in Portland. Real estate and development specialists have noted that this site has not yet met its full potential, being that it has unmatched highway visibility and connectivity, 2,000 feet of waterfront and adjacency to the Portland Transportation Center. These attributes were what lead Professor Todd Richardson to explore this property as a case-study for his most recent Landscape Architecture Class.
"Properly planned and integrated with its context, Thompson's Point can become an important centerpiece of the city, adding to its vitality and vibrancy," Instructor Todd Richardson said in his class syllabus. Richardson is a Landscape Architect, business owner and Associate Professor at the Boston Architectural College. With his efforts, combined with Fishman Realty Group and the city of Portland, the students were able to perform practice-based research while "Unlocking" the Point's potential. Throughout the semester, the students were asked to examine different aspects of the development parcel. They toured the site to get a better understanding of the environmental amenities, buildings, railway relationships and location of the Point as it relates to the city of Portland. This past Monday their hard work was presented to a group of commercial Realtors and city planners for feedback and critique.
The students broke up into four teams to present their innovative redevelopment plans for the Thompson's Point land parcel. The goal of each team was to enhance the neighborhood and community sustainability, while embracing the property's history as a transit oriented development. Student presentations included retail and restaurant uses, residential living areas, theaters, nature trails (using the Portland Trail Easement), offices and cafes. All the groups agreed that this location would be best used by a developer that wishes to fashion a sustainable development that creates opportunity and jobs for the region
The Thompson's Point of the future, as presented, will be a scenic development with many new refreshing uses. All who attended the presentation were impressed with the student's insight and look forward to seeing their ideas come to life one day.
Jessica Perry is with Fishman Realty Group, Portland.