Transforming an empty urban lot into an accessible, agriculturally productive landscape rooted in ecological resilience and historic context.
The Fowler Clark Epstein Urban Farm transforms a long-neglected corner lot in Mattapan into a productive, accessible, and ecologically resilient urban landscape. Developed through a multi-stakeholder collaboration, the project is among the first in Boston to implement zoning provisions that support commercial urban farming while honoring the site’s historic farmstead roots.
Regenerative Design Group worked with partners to clarify how the site could support urban agriculture at scale—serving as a center for farmer training, a source of healthy food, and a gathering place for the surrounding community. The design integrates agricultural production, stormwater management, habitat, and universal access within a challenging urban context and constrained grades.
Edible rain gardens, stormwater pathways, and a sunken gathering space collectively infiltrate and treat more than 670,000 gallons of runoff annually. Over 78 perennial species support pollinators and year-round ecological function. Opened in 2018, the farm now supports food production, farmer training, and neighborhood connection—replacing a symbol of disinvestment with one of care, productivity, and shared purpose.
Client
Fowler Clark Epstein Urban Farm
Mattapan, MA
Partners
- Perkins + Will
- Trust for Public Land
- Historic Boston
- Urban Farming Institute
Key Features
- Greenhouse
- Annual and perennial production areas
- Universally accessible paths, entrances, and gathering spaces
- Irrigation plan
- Wash station
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Parking for visitors and farm vehicles
Services
- Coordination between multiple organizations and stakeholders
- Public workshops and community meetings
- Site analyses
- Zoning and permitting
- Detailed planting plans
- Construction documents
- Construction oversight
Awards + Recognitions
- Boston Society of Landscape Architects — Design Merit Award, 2019
- Environmental Design Research Association — Great Places Design Award, Honorable Mention, 2019
- MA Historical Commission — Preservaton Award, 2019
In the News
In Mattapan, a farmhouse restoration project uncovers countless mysteries
When the work is completed, the 30,000-square-foot property, which includes a house, a barn, and a jumbled landscape of stone walkways, brick arches, and other architectural embellishments, will again be a farm, as well as headquarters for the Urban Farming Institute of Boston, one of the project partners.
