The Lawrence Connector transforms a neglected, under-utilized alley into the primary pedestrian corridor between the Northern Essex Community College campus and downtown Lawrence, MA. Working with a modest budget, the design improves pedestrian safety and carves out spaces for tree planting, green stormwater infrastructure, and landscape furnishings.

As landscape designer, Michael assisted with planting, soil, and furnishing design from schematic design through construction documents. Given site constraints, the planting design focused on maximizing the available soil volume for each tree, and selecting the most heat, drought, and salt tolerant species adapted to tough urban conditions.