Firm brochure for The Cecil Group

1. Firm Overview
The Cecil Group
w w w. c e c i l g r o u p . c o m

3. The Cecil Group
Planning and Design
241 A Street Suite 500
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
tel: 617.426.5050
fax: 617.426.5051
www.cecilgroup.com

4. Firm Description
The Cecil Group joins the talents of its architects, urban designers, planners, landscape architects and graphic
designers to help clients realize the potential of their towns, cities, developments, buildings, institutions, parks
and open space. By maintaining a multi-disciplinary staff we deliver the varied expertise needed in order to suc-
cessfully “put places together.” Our work includes urban design, land planning, community planning, landscape
architecture, stainability planning, and institutional planning, including expertise in helping institutions, towns and
cities formulate and navigate change that benefits each party’s interests.
The firm matches the expertise of its professionals to each project challenge, complementing the client and
professional teams with which they work. Throughout its tenure, The Cecil Group has proven its distinctive ability
to provide actionable creative physical design and planning solutions that are specifically tailored to the circum-
stances of each project.
Services
A focus on “putting places together” underpins the firm’s practice and philosophy.
As a result of this approach, the firm is recognized for its ability to translate strategic goals into practical plans The Cecil Group brings the direct
and designs that are highly responsive to complex economic, regulatory and community considerations. The experience of its professionals on a
firm’s projects are distinguished because they recognize and link relevant historic, cultural and environmental wide range of planning and design
contexts. The Cecil Group’s emphasis on effective communication has led to its excellent credentials in facilitat- projects. Services provided by the
ing community participation and approvals processes. firm include:
 Urban Design
Located in Boston, The Cecil Group’s work represents an unusually wide range of project types, scales and
locations. Although the firm brings an extensive background in both national and international assignments, the  Community Planning
focus of much of the practice is within New England’s cities, towns and open spaces. The list of past and pres-  Landscape Architecture
ent clients is similarly varied, with a balanced representation of public, private and institutional sectors.
 Architecture
Select Awards  Land Planning
 2011 Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation Certificate of Commendation for Leadership in Community Preservation  Institutional Planning
Efforts – New London Neighborhood Revitalization Planning Study
 Downtown Revitalization
 2010 Outstanding Planning Award, Large Municipality Planning Project from the Massachusetts Chapter American Plan-
 Waterfront Design and Planning
ning Association – Rutherford Avenue Corridor Study
 Townscape and Streetscape Plans
 2010 Outstanding Planning Award, Small Municipality Planning Project from the Massachusetts Chapter American Plan-
ning Association – Lee Eagle and Laurel Mills Redevelopment Studies  Environmental Planning

6. The Cecil Group has provided urban design solutions for
clients nation-wide, from individual sites to large communities.
founding. This work applies the skills of professionals with
specific training and experience in urban design, in addition
Urban
The firm’s design philosophy is rooted in our commitment to
urban design methods that integrate infrastructure into the
to their associated credentials in architecture and landscape
architecture. Our portfolio includes projects for private public
Design
larger setting of the community. The Cecil Group approach
toward urban design consistently strives to create continuity
and private sector initiatives, as well as urban design projects
for institutional clients.
services
for historic environments while providing new elements that
meet contemporary needs. Design Services
Successful urban design requires the ability to choreograph  Waterfront Urban Design  Transit-Oriented
practical increments of both public and private investment Development
over time. The Cecil Group’s approach to urban design  Campus Master Plans
recognizes the importance of this in composing built including Town/Gown  Mixed Use Development
environments that meet the current and future goals of our Strategies
clients, both stylistically and economically. The Cecil Group  District and Downtown
has provided a wide range of specialized urban design Revitalization
services as a core component of its services since its

8. Atlantic Wharf
Urban Design and Planning
boston, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group was responsible for the urban design and
assistance in the environmental planning (MEPA) for a 1
million square foot mixed-use hotel and office develop-
ment on Boston’s waterfront. The site planning required
careful integration of a new 30-story office tower among
existing historic buildings. Consequently, the environ-
mental documentation for this project included all of the
State and local scoping issues for environmental assess-
ments, waterfront analyses, urban design concepts, and
historic preservation issues. The project helps extend the
Financial District to Boston’s revitalized waterfront edge.

11. Downtown Framingham
Planning Study
Framingham, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group prepared a planning study
and urban design strategies for the revitaliza-
tion of downtown Framingham. The study
included the analysis of transportation alternatives to al-
leviate traffic congestion caused by the intersection of
two main local arterials and the MBTA Boston-Worces-
ter commuter rail line. A key goal was to integrate
transportation with land use and urban design strate-
gies in a unified and coherent downtown improvement
plan. In addition to the Urban Design component The
Cecil Group developed the streetscape and landscape
design treatments to implement a comprehensive vision of
Downtown Framingham by enhancing the public right of
ways using streetscape design. This study was recognized
with an Outstanding Planning Award from the Massa-
chusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association.

13. Westwood Station
Urban Design Services
Westwood, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group served the Planning Board of the Town
of Westwood with peer review design services for the
4.5 million square foot mixed-use development that will
be constructed as a new district. The project has been
advanced by a major development team and represents a
substantial shift in the scale and intensity of development
in this moderately-scaled community in suburban Boston.
This is a significant opportunity to advance economic
development goals within a transit-oriented, environmentally
responsible framework. The Cecil Group is responsible
for comprehensive review services for all urban design,
architecture and landscape architecture elements including
signage and lighting. To facilitate the design and review
process for such a large and complex development, The
Cecil Group prepared detailed design guidelines that
translate the Town’s zoning goals into standards that are
being applied at all levels of the design and approval
process.

15. LanDscape Landscape Architecture is an important element in refining
and beautifying the built environment. Through thoughtful
Design Services
architectUre landscape design we’re able to increase public enjoyment
of open space, orchestrate gatherings in multi-use spaces,
 Master Plans  Estate Maintenance
Management Programs
 Landscape Site Planning
increase economic vitality in downtown settings and pro-  LEED certification assistance
vide private respites for homeowners.  Sustainable Landscapes
 Construction Oversight
 Landscape Guidelines
The Cecil Group’s landscape architecture group encom-  Cost Estimating
passes a broad range of project types including master  Parks
planning, courtyards, parks, urban streetscapes, and land-  ADA compliant design
 Playgrounds
scape design for residential homes, commercial buildings
 Native Plantings
and multi-use campuses. The Cecil Group designs spaces  Hardscapes (Outdoor
that balance and respect the environment while meeting Barbeques, Fireplaces,  Bioretention Cells
our clients’ goals and aspirations. Our success is due to Pools and Spas)
our unique ability to harmonize the practical organization  Efficient Irrigation and
of spaces with creative design solutions that increase the Lighting
value and thoughtfulness of the space.

16. Park at the Former Lawrence Mill
Lowell, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group was retained by the Massachusetts Division
of Capital Asset Management to lead a team of professionals
in the redevelopment of the long -abandoned former Law-
rence Mills complex. The Cecil Group served as the prime
consultant, site designers and landscape architects. They
coordinated a team composed of civil engineers, architects
and other specialized professionals. The site plan features
exhibits that interpret the former waterpower canals that
were threaded through the site. The design uses landscape
features to forge a new riverfront pedestrian link between
the University of Massachusetts campus and downtown
Lowell. An interior park and new infrastructure system are
designed to support housing and office developments and
aid in visually and economically restoring this historic site.

18. Image provided by West Village Apartments

19. West Village Apartments
Mansfield, Massachusetts
The transformation of an old farm became a sustainable
oasis for this new 250 unit multifamily community. The over-
all landscape design was programmed and formulated to
respect the site’s history and surrounding wetlands while
providing a unique and inviting pedestrian atmosphere
complemented with low impact development initiatives. Na-
tive shrub plantings and buffers, wild flower meadows, veg-
etated swales and bio-retention cells transition storm water
safely into the surrounding habit. Site amenities were incor-
porated into the design to create a unique sense of place and
provide year round enjoyment for users including, gateway
signs, pool and spa, decorative paving, benches, pergolas,
masonry barbecues and dark sky compliant light fixtures.

20. Asbury Village Apartments
raleigh, north carolina
The landscape design for this large multifamily community
was designed to give the property a distinct atmosphere
that would bring together residents in communal spaces.
The design incorporates many amenities and site features
including unique gateways and decorative masonry signs,
alluring landscape lighting, and a lush planting design that
extends into the site and clubhouse area. An abundance of
masonry structures are arranged to define important pedes-
trian pathways, terraces and spaces consisting of masonry
barbeques, double sided fireplace patios, and a pool and
terraced spa. Enhanced paving, raised planters, cedar per-
golas accentuated with low voltage lighting and inspiring
fountains provide space for residents to find solitude in this
vast community. A bus stop and pedestrian bridge further
add to the ambience and unique character of the community.

21. Image provided by Asbury Village Apartments

22. Washing Pond Residence
nantucket, Massachusetts
The goal of the landscape design for this Nantucket estate
was to develop a series of spaces for the homeowners and
their guests to enjoy while allowing the natural beauty of
the island to provide the backdrop for the property. A land-
scaped circulation plan allows easy access to all parts of
the property. Sculptured terraces provide convenient con-
nectivity between spaces and link the architecture and land-
scape beyond. Terraced granite steps within the lawn create
minimal visual impact to the landscape and are sensitive to
views from neighboring properties. Terraced Pennsylvania
fieldstone walls provide seating at the pool. Indigenous and
durable plants such as Eastern Red Cedar, Rosa Rugosa,
Privet and Lavender were carefully selected to evade deer
damage, complement the island’s character and define
the various spaces through dense buffering and layering.

25. Salem Winter Island Park Master Plan
salem, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group developed a master plan to help the City
of Salem achieve its goals of energizing and guiding the
successful renovation and redevelopment of Winter Island
Park. The proposed park design helps to enhance Winter
Island’s unique natural resources, preserve its historically
significant properties, increase the public’s access and en-
joyment to the park and enable the park to operate in a
fiscally sustainable manner. The master plan incorporates
low impact design in order to minimize paving and erosion
and preserve shoreline edges and includes learning spaces
such as an interpretive trail and an outdoor amphitheater
and stage for public educational and cultural programs. A
significant public participation program was undertaken as
part of the master planning process in order to respond to
resident and stakeholder suggestions and concerns and
to help build public consensus for programming elements.

27. Falmouth Streetscape Improvements
Falmouth, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group was responsible for the planning, rede-
sign, and construction documentation of the streetscape
and civic space reconfiguration of historic downtown
Falmouth. The design process included extensive com-
munity participation through a workshop process. The
project included the redesign of important spaces such
as Town Hall Square, Noonan Park, and Academy Lane.

28. Marblehead Streetscape and
Downtown Landscaping
Marblehead, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group designed and supported the implemen-
tation of a comprehensive study to create an appropriate
and attractive public streetscape. This effort was achieved
through landscaping, new pavement materials, street fur-
niture, and lighting improvements. Through a phased con-
struction and design process, the study created a more co-
herent downtown and resolved the pedestrian and vehicular
circulation issues along critical streets in historic Marblehead.

31. institUtionaL Increasingly, the interests of institutions and the com-
munities in which they are located are focused on
The purpose of this initiative is to provide a com-
prehensive professional service center that assists
pLanning patterns of growth and development. The traditional institutions and communities in forging successful
limits of institutional campus planning and community strategies and relationships for the future that meet
services development activities are becoming intermeshed. common goals. This service center will focus on cre-
As a practical matter, institutions need a high quality ating an integrated planning approach that combines
setting to attract and retain staff, patrons, clients, and physical, economic, institutional and public relations
students. Changing needs often require institutions perspectives. The services we will provide our clients
to acquire additional land and facilities to accommo- with:
date growth. Local neighborhoods and communities
 Resolution of conflicts
are increasingly empowered through regulatory and
political process to control their future. Municipalities  Shared visions based on shared interests
are actively seeking advantages of employment and
 Facilitation of a Master Plan for Institutions,
amenities associated with the institutions within their
Neighborhoods and Municipal Development
boundaries, along with direct income opportunities in
lieu of taxes.  Successful investment and redevelopment
strategies
 Guidance for future actions Services

32. Bates College Master Plan Update
Lewiston, Maine
The Cecil Group, working with Harriman Architects + En-
gineers, was engaged by Bates College to update the col-
lege’s Master Plan. The resulting plan includes an action
plan ensuring effective alignment of the next phase of in-
vestments with the academic mission and campus environ-
ment that distinguish Bates College.
The refined strategy provides pragmatic adjustments to re-
flect emerging campus priorities while adding a clear focus
to the steps that will need to be taken over the next few
years. Specifically, the planning effort involved identifying
possible areas to expand existing facilities, identifying ap-
propriate locations for new facilities, enhancing campus
features and spaces,
incorporating utility infrastructure improvements and cam-
pus sustainability planning, and determining maintenance
needs of existing facilities.
The planning happened through an inclusive process, that
ensured the entire campus community was engaged, un-
derstanding and supportive.

33. Jewelry District/Old Harbor
Planning Framework Study
providence, rhode island
The Cecil Group prepared a planning framework to help
set the stage for several planning initiatives that will shape
the future of this district, which lies at the edge of the city’s
downtown. The Cecil Group worked with a committee of
stakeholders in the district including representatives of area
institutions, businesses, and residents of the Jewelry Dis-
trict/Old Harbor neighborhood. The project applied a multi-
disciplinary team which compiled evaluations of the eco-
nomics, land use, circulation and infrastructure to provide a
pragmatic basis for planning. The process identified shared
goals among the stakeholders, and provided recommenda-
tions and examples of key tools that can be applied to help
transform the district.

34. Saint Anselm College Campus
Master Plan
Manchester, new hampshire
The Cecil Group led a multi-disciplinary team to create an
overall master plan for Saint Anselm College. The 115-year-
old Catholic college is comprised of 60 buildings situated
on over 400 acres that overlook the City of Manchester. The
campus master plan directs the physical development on
campus as it refocuses its academic mission for the future.
Vehicular and pedestrian circulation, campus infrastructure,
signage, and open spaces are some of the key issues ad-
dressed. The master plan creates a range of strategies that
encourage institutional growth and excellence, while main-
taining the strong Benedictine traditions of Saint Anselm
College.

35. Endicott College Master Plan
beverly, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group created the campus master plan for this
picturesque 300-acre campus. The campus master plan
provides a physical framework for the College’s future
growth and integration into the community. The campus
master plan included the renovation of existing buildings,
development of a section of campus for a business con-
ference center, reconfiguration of vehicular and pedestrian
circulation and designation of open space.

36. The Cecil Group pursues design processes that produce
highly creative and functional buildings. The professionals at
architectUre
The Cecil Group apply their multi-disciplinary backgrounds
to develop an in-depth understanding of the site and its uses
to create a design that best meets client needs. The firm
provides end-to-end architectural services, from architec-
tural planning and conceptual work to construction docu-
mentation.
The strength of The Cecil Group lies in its multi-disciplinary
practice - the firm has proven adept at leveraging the power
of its various disciplines to create superior architectural de-
sign. The Cecil Group recently completed a series of proj-
ects for the Tweeter Center, the largest outdoor performance
facility in the United States. The team brought together ar-
chitecture and landscape architecture design principles to
create an 8000-seat improvement project, which opened in
2002.

39. Oak Bluffs Ferry Terminal
oak bluffs, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group was the design architect, site program-
mer and site designer for the Oak Bluffs Ferry Terminal.
This project solves many pragmatic circulation issues as-
sociated with the large numbers of passengers, cargo
semi-trailer handling, pick-up and drop-off, and luggage
handling. The Cecil Group prepared evaluations of passen-
ger and vehicle flows to determine the most cost effective
approach to reconstruction. The firm was also responsible
for the design of the ferry terminal building and related ticket
window functions. The Cecil Group worked closely with
constituent groups to ensure that all new enhancements
reflect the historic character of the town and enhance the
travel experience.
2011 American Council of Engineering Companies/
Massachusetts Excellence in Engineering Silver Award

40. BosTix Ticket Booth
boston, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group recently completed the design and renova-
tion of the BosTix ticket booth in Boston’s Faneuil Hall Mar-
ketplace. The existing 30 year old structure had deteriorated
due to age and required a complete renovation. The new
booth design creates a dynamic presence for ArtsBoston
and a renewed vitality directly adjacent to Faneuil Hall and
the Freedom Trail. The design evokes elements of a theatre
marquee with its lit sign band and cantilevered overhang
while still staying in character with ArtBoston’s other booth
location in Copley Square. The design further complements
its surroundings with traditional materials including a cop-
per roof and restored weathervane. Because of the chal-
lengingly small footprint a spatially efficient structure was
required. The Cecil Group designed a customized and
multi-functional exterior frame to provide a lively and en-
gaging threshold to the arts community through a series
of digital displays that show theatre posters and upcoming
event information.

41. Old Salem Jail Redevelopment
Planning and Developer
Selection Services
salem, Massachusetts
The Cecil Group assisted the Salem Redevelopment Au-
thority in advancing the redevelopment of the historic and
abandoned jail complex in the downtown. The Cecil Group
prepared design studies and redevelopment feasibility
studies to help establish the range of market-supportable
uses, prepared the Developer Request for Proposals,
helped market the property. The Cecil Group then provided
professional assistance in the review of the proposals and
in the subsequent designation of a preferred developer and
a project. This project included community participation
and close coordination with historic preservation agencies
and advocates.

42. At The Cecil Group we know that the success of a
project is derived from its leadership. To that regard
project
our senior professionals manage and staff each of LeaDership
our projects. They’re not just the face of the company
that disappears after the interview, but the centerpiece
of the team that will help bring your project goals to
fruition.

43. Steven G. Cecil AIA ASLA
principal
As the founding principal of The Cecil Group, Inc., Steve brings over twenty-five years of pro-
fessional experience to the firm, including urban design, planning, landscape architecture,
and architecture projects throughout the United States and abroad. His practice brings cre-
ative solutions to planning and design challenges that are attentive to their cultural, environ-
mental and community context. Steve brings a commitment and special skills in community
participation as a dimension of the firm’s successful planning and design projects. Prior to
forming The Cecil Group, he was a founding principal of Cecil & Rizvi, Inc. and served as Direc-
tor of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture at both CBT Architects and SOM/Boston.
Kenneth J. Buckland AICP LEED AP
principal
A Principal with The Cecil Group, Ken has over twenty-five years of planning experience
with expertise in environmental planning, municipal affairs, and zoning. He has worked as
a planner in several municipalities, including Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Stamford and
New Haven, Connecticut. He has also worked in the private sector for SEA Consultants
in Cambridge, and Nitsch Engineering in Boston, as well as served as principal in his
own firm. In addition to his significant efforts in visioning, strategic planning and imple-
mentation, Mr. Buckland has focused on land use and environmental management plans.
Erik Bednarek ASLA
Director of Landscape architecture and Land planning
Mr. Bednarek brings over 16 years experience to The Cecil Group in landscape design for
residential communities, urban/streetscape, parks, commercial and institutional projects.
Prior to joining The Cecil Group, Mr. Bednarek was the Principal of EJB Designs Landscape
Architecture and Planning, whose focus was on sustainable/low impact design practices
for clients throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic region. Before starting EJB De-
signs, Mr. Bednarek was a landscape architect at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. During
this time, Mr. Bednarek was responsible for managing and preparing conceptual & de-
sign documents for public and private projects including: retail and commercial projects,
institutional campuses, streetscapes, airports, bike paths and residential communities.