Motivation for this project began when the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, recognized the popularity of a half-acre municipal parking lot along Main Street in the neighborhood of South Holyoke. During the day, the public parking lot receives an influx of cars as visitors patronize the community organizations and
businesses along Main Street. During the weekend the parking lot becomes crowded with people visiting the area for entertainment, food, and cultural festivities, and to socialize in the lot. Representatives of the City and prominent members of the community with strong ties to social organizations and businesses in the project area form the core client team of this project and are interested in the potential to enhance the parking lot for its many users. The Conway team and core client team expanded the scope of the project to include other spaces in the neighborhood that could be enhanced to bring people outside, provide space for community events, and support community building.
