New Downtown Redevelopment Plan Imagines Westfield’s Future

An exciting new vision is taking shape for downtown Westfield, filled with green spaces, gathering places, and pedestrian-friendly trails and sidewalks that will strengthen the business community by creating a livable, walkable, workable, and shoppable urban core. In the years to come, the City of Westfield and the Westfield Economic Development Department will work to turn the city’s recently approved Downtown Redevelopment Plan into a reality that promises a business district that addresses a broad range of needs.  

Created in collaboration with the award-winning architecture, planning, and design firm Browning Day, the plan establishes a roadmap for the downtown core, including historic Westfield and a retail-focused Main Street. It articulates a vision that creates identity and unique experiences; expands green investment and amenities; makes downtown more walkable, with trails that connect users to memorable locations; and ensures a bright future for the city. 

“This plan was developed with significant input from residents and business owners, and is designed to guide development and growth in a manner that is consistent with what our community wants, needs, and values,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “Putting this plan in place now ensures we will be better prepared to evaluate future development opportunities and ensure they align with this vision for this city’s future.” 

Enhancements highlighted in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan include Main Street beautification, expansion of existing park and green space, and expanded festival areas designed to enhance public events. The plan communicates a long-term vision of Downtown Westfield’s future, and the projects that bring it to life are likely to take place over the next 20 years or more. 

Projects identified in the plan fall into three main categories: 

• Catalyst Projects, meant to jumpstart development and build excitement for downtown’s reimagined future, will begin to take shape in the first few years of this effort. These projects include developing Carnegie Plaza as a public square and the creation of a Grassy Branch Creekway that encompasses a variety of walkways and experiential paths stretching through downtown. 
• Key Projects are fundamental pieces of the downtown vision, including specific developable lots, public spaces, and crucial infrastructure. These are projects, including an updated Main Street streetscape, that would leave the overall project feeling diluted if they are not completed. Work on these will take place in approximately the first eight years of development. 
• Horizon projects are less central to the overall vision and may occur at any time depending on market conditions and opportunities that arise. 

Completing the Downtown Redevelopment Plan is an exciting first step toward creating the future of Westfield. Now, the City will work with developers, businesses, and community groups to bring our vision to life. Our development professionals will continue to monitor progress and adjust the plan based on results. Throughout the process, though, the City will use this plan as a resource to guide decisions about investments, funding, and development in order to ensure the work that is done benefits Westfield’s businesses, visitors, and residents. 

To learn more about the plan, visit the city’s website or contact the Westfield Economic Development department.