Washington Street Gate

Opening the Gates: Phase One projects in the Entrance Improvement Project at the Arnold Arboretum.
Map of the Arnold Arboretum showing five entrances selected as phase one projects for the Entrance Improvement Project

Project Updates:

  • Pre-work begins March 2025
  • Construction begins March 31st, 2025

Entrance Goals

  • Remove existing chain-link fence and open gate leaves to improve public safety, sight lines, views, and visitor access
  • Add way finding and interpretive signage celebrating the unique history of Bussey Brook Meadow
  • Provide salvaged granite seating for gathering and resting within a new grove of Kentucky coffee trees
  • Enhance entrance and meadow area with new tree and shrub plantings
  • Create open views of meadow and entrance through selective pruning and removal of existing trees
  • Improve the visibility of the entrance from Forest Hills MBTA Station
Washington Street Gate Entrance Concept
Concept Plan
Image of Washington St Gate existing ariel render
Washington St Gate Existing Ariel View – Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023
Arial rendering of proposed Washington Street Gate
Washington St Gate Ariel Rendering Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023
Image of Washington Street Gate Existing Arrival View
Existing Arrival View – Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023
Image of Washington Street Gate Proposed Arrival View
Proposed Arrival View – Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023
Image of Washington Street Gate Existing Departure View
Existing Departure View – Michael Van Valkenburgh, Associates, 2023Michael Van Valkenburgh, Associates, 2023
Image of Washington Street Gate Proposed Departure View
Proposed Departure View – Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2023