SPONSORED CONTENT

A contemporary spin on the traditional lantern style, able to withstand heavy pedestrian traffic… An important and welcoming gateway to the city.

Originally built in 1976 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Pynchon Plaza had fallen into disrepair over the decades due to difficult access, mechanical problems, sporadic use, and vandalism. After several years of limited use, Copley Wolff Design Group was hired by the City of Springfield to design a complete restoration of the park.

Copley Wolff’s scope of work included the redesign of existing open space for recreational activities; a central plaza with an interactive water feature, seating areas, and plantings; a monumental staircase featuring a series of overlook landings with seat walls; rotating art installations; improved pedestrian access; infrastructure updates; multi-faceted green spaces and gathering areas; and upgraded utility connections.

The design also features a renovated elevator as an integral architectural element to help visitors surmount the 40-foot change in elevation from the Park’s downtown location up to the Quadrangle, the cluster of museums, and numerous cultural institutions in Springfield’s Metro Center. The design and engineering of the park entrances and other attractions meet current Massachusetts and ADA compliance regulations.

Copley Wolff Design Group retained IllumiSite to identify a product that features a contemporary spin on the traditional lantern style. The site design required a light fixture with an accompanying bollard and be able to withstand heavy pedestrian traffic found in such a highly used space. The Sternberg Millenia was a perfect match with its new world urban design blended with the feel of a traditional lantern. The combination of contemporary and traditional lends itself to the latest LED technology. Founded in 1923 with a focus on the municipal market, Sternberg proved to be the manufacturer for the job.

The newly restored park bridges Springfield’s world-class museums to downtown, and the improvements act as an important and welcoming gateway to the city.