New Infrastructure
Widening Roads, Elevated Railways, and Collapse. Oh my!
Movement and mobility is crucial to any city. The increased congestion from the markets in this parcel place extra importance on the infrastructure to assist with the movement of people and goods. How does the adaptability make the parcel an organism? What are the technologies being pushed to the center of public discourse? Keep reading to find out!
Back to the Parcel Home PageWidening Atlantic Avenue
The proposed widening of Atlantic Avenue in 1873 emerged as a point of interest among merchants, business firms, and even political figures. Hon. Josiah Quincy strongly advocated for this physical change especially on account of its location. Not only is Atlantic Avenue located near the prominent mercantile area, but it has proximity to railway systems. In a time of industrialization, railway systems were vital in connecting people with the city and stimulating economic growth.
Elevated Railways
New transit infrastructure was being introduced into the parcel. This changes not only the physical environment, but also the experiential movement of the residents. Elevated roads and railways were implemented largely based on economic factors in order to increase efficiency in a city battling congestion. Banks were a strong voice of advocacy for the elevated railway, for they even engaged in a petition list published in 1897 in a local newspaper called the Daily Boston Globe.
Is the new infrastructure permanent?
While the construction of elevated railways pulls on new technology and materials, such as steel, they are not immune to destruction. The photo captures an event of one of the structures collapsing on Commercial Street. The scale of the steel auxiliary girder is visible compared to the pedestrian. The infrastructure dominates the cityscape. The experience of walking under one of the elevated railways is new, scary, and loud, let alone considering what the movement is like when the materials are in disarray.
City as an Organism
The evolution of the physical environment speaks to the urban framework as an organism. As the demands of the city and its residents change, so does the infrastructure. Adaptability is key. Increased congestion from a successful mercantile hub? Changing industrial technologies? Connectivity of the United States through railway systems? The new infrastructure in this parcel is a direct result of the changes in the city. Nevertheless, despite being on the right path, these changes in infrastructure to adapt cause problems. The conversation of displacement starts well before the Central Artery, such as with the elevated railroad and widening of Atlantic Avenue. How do urban planners and other key stakeholders weigh the pros and cons of new development? Is it simply trial and error? This parcel is an excellent case study into how the city can operate as an organism and is truly never stagnant.
Bibliography
"ATLANTIC AVENUE.: ARGUMENTS OF THE HON. JOSIAH QUINCY AND OTHERS IN FAVOR OF ITS BEING WIDENED. A FREE MARKET WANTED." 1873.Boston Daily Globe (1872-1922), Nov 14, 1873. https://holycross.idm.oclc.org/login?auth=cas&url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/atlantic-avenue/docview/491883865/se-2?accountid=11456.
"Commercial St. near Charter St. collapsed building." Photograph. 1910. Digital Commonwealth, https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth-oai:h989sm660
"New auxiliary girders Commercial St. near Prince St." Photograph. 1909. Digital Commonwealth, https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth-oai:h989sj41q