New Bedford, once the most active whaling port city, has decreased in density over the past half century as a result of the declining whaling industry. Future plans of a new commuter rail line have been proposed to revitalize the commercial downtown area as well as reconnect the city to Boston.

The Kennedy Memorial Highway located adjacent to the waterfront currently scars the city, dividing the historic center from the waterfront. The city has seen little economic and commercial activity in the past decade due to loss of residents to near by cities, Boston and Providence.

The new housing and commercial program along Union Street redefines the juncture between the historic center and the residential neighborhood in New Bedford. The proposed urban park with its urban boardwalk intends to reconnect its residents to the historic downtown and its waterfront.