Perhaps lost between all the chatter about controversial parking app Haystack and the Donna Summer roller disco party was the fact that Mayor Walsh put out the call to Bostonians to help him revamp the Roxbury Innovation Center.
In keeping aligned with his dedication to governmental transparency in the form of crowdsourcing ideas, Mayor Walsh released a Request for Ideas to solicit thoughts on how best to utilize the Roxbury Innovation Center and help turn Boston’s various neighborhoods into innovation districts in their own right.
“I want to bring the future economy to every Boston neighborhood, and the Roxbury Innovation Center will be the catalyst for Dudley Square,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m looking to Boston’s vibrant innovation community for ideas on how to shape this opportunity, and to lay the groundwork for this exciting approach to economic development.”
The Ferdinand Building is at the epicenter of this technological revitalization, and has already been privy to public art initiatives. And, as we’ve seen in areas like Dorchester, Jamaica Plain and Fort Point, rejuvenation has a way of following community art.
According to the mayor’s office, the RFI “is not a formal procurement process to select an operator, but rather an informal solicitation to gauge interest and gather information.”
Classic Mayor Marty, checking in with Bostonians to see what they want rather than extinguish any suggestions in lieu of the dictates of his own judgement.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority, once considered the evil of municipal organizations and citywide development that now innovates alongside the mayor, notes on its website that “Other recent successes in the Dudley Square district include the new Area B-2 Police Station, a Dudley Branch Library facade revamp, Madison Tropical’s upcoming grocery-anchored commercial project, and Urbanica’s Melnea Hotel and Residences.”
Translation: Dudley Square is what Southie’s Innovation District was over a decade ago so companies, start scouting office space; young professionals, keep your eyes peeled for affordable living spaces. Did I mention it’s a ten minute walk from transit hub Dudley Square?
To submit your ideas to City Hall, check out the RFI information right here. In the meantime, feel free to give us a little sneak peak in the comments section below.
Image via Boston Redevelopment Authority
