The Common at CX
- 5 acres of room to breathe, marked with a large water garden, winding walkways, and open grassy areas perfect for community events and more. Give your imagination plenty of space to wander and ponder in our largest outdoor space. It’s also where we host events, fitness classes, art exhibits, and more.
Baldwin Courtyard
- Adjacent to 222 Jacobs Street, explore our hardscape open space, with plenty of seating available to relax as well as a space for fitness, events, and more.
- Named after Maria Louise Baldwin (1856-1922) who was born and raised in Cambridge. She was the first African American principal in New England, former principal of the Agassiz school in Cambridge, and co-founder of the Women’s Era Club, an African American civil rights entity. Baldwin also served as president of the League of Women for Community Service during World War I.
The Picnic Grove
- The Picnic Grove is a publicly-accessible gathering place which includes picnic tables, six (6) common-use grills, a bocce court, and a free-to-use OpenGym Kiosk. Please relax and enjoy the views of the CX Common and Water Garden.
Dawes Field
- The perfect spot for a pickup soccer game or workout of your choice! Enjoy our turf half soccer field to meet up with friends or break a sweat with our work out equipment available for use.
- Named after William Dawes (1745 – 1799) who was a Boston resident and commissioned 2nd Major in the Boston militia regiment. He is best known as one of several men, including Paul Revere, that in April 1775, took a midnight ride passing through Cambridge and alerted colonial minutemen to the approach of British army troops at the outset of the American Revolution.
Earhart Square
- Enjoy a quiet open space tucked away with room to breath.
- Named after Amelia Mary Earhart (1897 – 1939) who was a resident of both Boston and Medford and a record-breaking female aviator. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, the first woman to fly across the American continent, and co-founder of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., the first organization for women aviators.. On July 2, 1937, Earhart’s plane tragically went missing. Thanks to her tireless efforts, Earhart improved public acceptance of aviation and paved the way for women in commercial flight.
Scott Station Plaza
- Upon arrival or departure at the new MBTA Green Line Lechmere Station, rest your feet, enjoy community events, stop by the Kittie Knox Cycle Center, and learn more about CX.
- Named after Alberta Virginia Scott (1875-1902) who was born and raised in Cambridge. Scott graduated from Radcliffe College in 1898 becoming the first African American woman to graduate in the institution’s history and the fourth African American to graduate from a women’s college in Massachusetts. After graduating, Scott devoted her life to teaching and the education of other African American woman in New England.
Kittie Knox Cycle Center
- The Kittie Knox Cycle Center is a bicycle center open to the public offering a bike tune up station, a shower, restrooms, changing rooms, and lockers. This new space is easily accessible encouraging alternative transportation and making cycling an easy option.
- Named after Katherine "Kittie" Knox (October 7, 1874 – October 11, 1900). Knox was a bicycle racer and the first African American to be accepted into the League of American Wheelmen (LAW). She joined LAW in 1893 at a time when few women were members. The organization changed their constitution to only allow white members in 1894. In 1895 the organization clarified that constitutional changes are not retroactive and Knox's membership in the group was no longer questioned. Knox persisted in racing despite sometimes being denied access to races as well as service by restaurants and hotels while traveling. She was a strong rider, participating in and completing several century rides.
Brian P. Murphy Memorial Staircase
- The Brain P. Murphy Memorial staircase is a connection to CX from Charlestown, Boston, and beyond and a form of public art located at CX.
- Named after Brian Patrick Murphy (1965-2015) who was a Cambridge resident and Assistant City Manager for Community Development, who served as City Council member for seven years and as the Deputy Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Murphy worked tirelessly to enrich the Cambridge community.
The Dog Run at Child St. Plaza
- Give your bestie the exercise they need, while you and the rest of the doggy parents socialize.
- Named after Julia Carolyn Child (1912-2004) who was a famous chef, television personality, and longtime Cambridge resident. Child moved to Cambridge in 1961, where she began filming her famous TV Series The French Chef. She was one of the first women to host her own cooking show on television and went on to establish organizations to inspire others to share her love of food.
Howe Event Plaza
- Located by one of the many entrances into the CX neighborhood, the Event Plaza is a place for community events, MBTA bike storage, and access to the Lechmere MBTA Station.
Named after Lois Lilley Howe (1864-1964) who was born and raised in Cambridge and was one of the first women to graduate from MIT’s architectural program. She was the founder of the only all-woman architectural firm in Boston at the time and the first woman elected as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Her firm, Howe, Manning & Almy, Inc., completed over 500 projects over 43 years of practice. Many of these structures are still standing today, including in Cambridge.
Hopkins Event Lawn
- Gather on the event lawn for free outdoor events, enjoy music, movies, a water feature, play area, and more!
Named after Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins (1859-1930) lived in Cambridge in the early 1900’s and was a novelist, essayist, playwright, magazine editor and among the most active Black woman writers of her time. Despite the climate of racism and other social injustices going on during this time, Hopkins made her voice, especially the Black voice, known throughout history.
