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Healthpeak outlines terrace improvements and tenant pickleball courts at Discovery Park; board presses on accessibility and signage
Summary
Healthpeak Properties presented design changes for Discovery Park (60 Acorn Park) including an expanded south terrace, lobby activation and pickleball courts intended primarily for tenants but accessible to the public when not in use via posted signage and a phone contact; the board emphasized accessibility, signage, minimal fencing and landscape materials.
James Rafferty, attorney for Healthpeak Properties, presented a design update on Jan. 6 to the Cambridge Planning Board for Discovery Park’s 60 Acorn Park. Rafferty said the plan shifts the building from single‑tenant to multi‑tenant use and adds an enhanced south terrace, expanded lobby access, outdoor seating and pickleball courts as a tenant amenity.
Eric Wyant, design principal at META/Emma Architects, described expanding the terrace about 30 feet west and retaining existing stairs and ramp; Christian Lemon of Lemon Brook Landscape Architects walked the board through planting plans, seating steps and intended materials. Rafferty said the pickleball courts are owned and maintained by Healthpeak but the owner agreed to post signage with a phone number so members of the public can request access when tenants are not using the courts, particularly on weekends.
Board members and CDD urban‑design staff flagged accessibility, signage, and minimizing fencing as priorities. Staff noted ConCom approved the courts and urged that the courtyard materials relate to existing stonework; CDD asked for confirmation that access requirements are met and for clear maintenance/management arrangements. Dan Anderson and others also asked that the project retain open space for informal soccer and other uses where feasible.
On tree replacement, the team said the existing river birch will be replaced with a more long‑lived specimen tree of ‘‘specimen nature’’ larger in caliper to provide long‑term canopy. The board moved and seconded to conclude the design update; the roll‑call vote was unanimous in favor. CDD will continue detail work with the project team during continuing review.
