The original Hamilton Connector was a two-level pedestrian plaza originally constructed in the early 2000s. Although it was landscaped and provided for the display of public art, the Connector mainly functioned as an access corridor between adjoining businesses and surrounding streets because it did not offer pedestrians a reason to linger and use or enjoy the space.

As the project’s civil engineer, RETTEW transformed the Connector into a vibrant outdoor space that encourages public involvement in the activated area. To accomplish this goal, RETTEW added several large round podiums to encourage sitting, lounging, or spontaneous art performances, and framed the largest podium with four levels of amphitheater-style seating. Most of the project was regraded to provide accessible routes built of high-end precast pavers, and numerous seating benches were added to the multiple levels. The site was planted with four-season landscaping and lit with both traditional fixtures as well as overhead catenary-style lighting for ambiance.