Located in the heart of Quincy, Massachusetts, the Hancock Adams Common uniquely honors John Adams and John Hancock, the city’s most famous residents. The transformation of the space that the Common represents is a result of a vision to cultivate engagement that was decades in the making, highlighting what it can mean for a monument to facilitate connections that span large spaces and entire eras.
Linking the Past to the Present of Quincy
Completed in 2018, the Hancock Adams Common connects what had been disjointed historic sites in Quincy, which includes Old Town Hall, United First Parish Church, and Hancock Cemetery. The project entailed a complete transformation of two major streets to develop an integrated vision for the park and the surrounding historic downtown.
Hancock Adams Common features a wide promenade, two large fountains and statues of both John Adams and John Hancock, who played essential roles in the creation of the United States of America. Audiences can relax on one of the many benches it contains, engage with the sculptural landmarks or visit the literal pieces of history that it connects.
During the winter the Common is home to Quincy’s annual holiday event. Throughout the year it hosts a variety of other special events and is also an essential feature on the President’s Trail, which further connects audiences to the history of the city.
Mentioned as the catalyst around bringing new life and activity to historic Quincy, Hancock Adams Common is featured in maps and guides to the city and has won numerous awards, further generating interest from audiences of all types. The three-acre park and plaza has become a focal point for Quincy thanks to a vision to transform what was a common city street into a tree-lined promenade that connects audiences to the past and future of the region and nation.
Enabling a Ripple Effect for Quincy
The creation of Hancock Adam Common is the result of a vision to ensure most of its residents can step out their front door and walk to a city park in less than 10 minutes. Honoring the two people that were foundational to the city and region has had a positive ripple effect on Quincy, providing both residents and visitors with multiple reasons to engage with the space which has opened up countless opportunities for everyone.
