Assembly Square Marketplace

From a tidal marsh to a bustling hub, the Assembly Square Marketplace has seen a dramatic transformation. This place, right here, was once a muddy, low-lying area along the Mystic River. Early settlers avoided it. The land was deemed unsuitable for farming. Yet, destiny had other plans for Assembly Square. Let’s journey back to 1631. Massachusetts’ first governor, John Winthrop, commissioned the construction of “The Blessing of the Bay.” This vessel, the first oceangoing ship built in the region, launched from a nearby site. This event sparked the area’s growth. Shipyards flourished along the Mystic River, fueled by the Middlesex Canal’s opening. Railroads arrived in the mid-1800s, further propelling development. In the early 20th century, a new chapter began. The arrival of Ford Motor Company’s assembly plant in 1926 cemented the area’s identity as Assembly Square. The plant, along with a large grocery distribution center, made Assembly Square a major employment hub. However, the story takes a turn with the infamous Edsel. The plant became a primary manufacturer of this ill-fated car. Its failure led to the plant’s closure in 1958. The grocery business took over the former Ford facility, but it too closed in 1976. The construction of I-93 in the 1960s and 70s further isolated Assembly Square. The latter part of the 20th century saw Assembly Square become a retail center. The Assembly Square Mall, built on the former Ford plant site in 1980, became a prominent landmark. The mall’s anchors were Jordan Marsh (later Macy’s) and Kmart. However, by 1999, much of the mall was closed, except for Building 19 and Kmart. A new vision for Assembly Square emerged in the early 2000s. A mixed-use development plan began to take shape. In 2005, Federal Realty Investment Trust purchased the declining mall and transformed it into the Assembly Square Marketplace we see today. The Marketplace is just one piece of the puzzle. The ongoing expansion of Assembly Row includes offices, housing, shops, restaurants, a cinema, and Legoland Discovery Center. Assembly Square, once a neglected marsh, is now a vibrant destination.