Home Departments Housing and Community Development Open Space Neighborhood Vitality Initiatives Powerhorn Hill Historic Staircase Project

The City of Chelsea Department of Housing and Community Development is undertaking a design project to improve historic staircases and community open space in the Powder Horn Hill and Upper Broadway areas. The intent of this project is to enhance safety, functionality, and aesthetics of the existing staircases, while beautifying the neighborhood by improving these features. The project areas include:

• The small staircase and grassy area at the intersection of Forsyth Street and Lafayette Avenue
• The historic staircase at Franklin Avenue and Spruce Street, connecting Franklin Avenue to Lafayette Avenue
• The historic staircase at Clark Avenue and Crest Avenue, connecting Crest Avenue to Broadway

The Dept. hosted two community meetings, including an outdoor meeting with residents, to solicit ideas for the renovation program. Grounded in this guidance, the City progressed through the schematic design and design development phases of the project, in partnership with Weston & Sampson. In parallel with the design phase, the City is engaging with Chelsea High School students and local artists to develop a public art concept for the staircases.