After getting his Bachelor’s Degree, Marc worked in Atlanta for awhile and, then, moved to Boston tottend MIT. Once he arrived in Boston, he felt almost immediately that it was home. It had the “gravitas of the place, educational opportunities,19th and 20th century buildings, and the history” that Marc treasured and he knew then he would remain here. And, although he never imagined himself in Boston, he has lived here happily for over 40 years.

After Marc received his graduate degree from MIT in 1981, he began working at a ‘small consulting firm’ in North Station, “under the elevated and in the middle of the big dig!” After he worked there for a few years, he said “I took my chances and, with my license to practice planning and architectural design, I began on my own.” He noted that this was initially just a short-term plan but “it has continued successfully for 35 years!” Marc has specialized on integrating planning (land and facilities), and architecture. His work has included supportive and therapeutic living environments, renovations of older building, facility planning, adaptive reuse, working with non-profits, small educational facilities and health care. For a time, Marc had a staff of 4 or 5 professionals; he traveled a lot and loved his work. Over the years, he has mentored, taught, and has helped others on their career paths. After the time of Covid, he downsized, helped his staff find new jobs and now works alone (although he works at times collaboratively with others) out of his office in Davis Square. He continues to mentor and, important to him, he sits on several non-profit boards and gives of his time through pro-bono work.

Marc was familiar with and loved Moshe Safdie’s work. (Read about Moshe Safdie --who

designed the Esplanade-- in the ECG Newsletter

https://www.esplanadecommunity.com/moshe-saf ) And, in his professional capacity several years ago, Marc designed the renovation of Enid Beal’s Esplanade residence and knew back then that “this is where I wanted to be.” When the right unit became available, Marc bought it. That was in October 2023 and he moved in in March 2024. Things he especially treasures about life at the Esplanade are: the location, the concierge services, garage parking(after 38 years of street parking in Davis Square), and the health club.

Marc joked that, over the years, he has lived in the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of higher education—Inman Square, Davis Square, Harvard Square, and now Kendall Square. He enjoys living in the Esplanade and noted how much Kendall Square has changed over time. Just a few years ago, the streets were almost empty in the evening, now they and the restaurants are “busy and jazzed, which is great.”

Marc is familiar with the East Cambridge neighborhood. He was enthusiastic about one of the tours he recently took at the AIA (American Institute of Architects) conference here in Boston. It was led by a developer, architect and planner. They explored Cambridge Crossing that is both a public and private project, including retail (“I wish there were more.”), restaurants, and a lovely park that is part and pond of Cambridge city’s climate resiliency plan. He considers the North Point Park, the Skateboard Park, the walk to the Constitution and easy walking access to the North End wonderful additions to the Cambridge/Boston landscape. He also commented that the neighborhood has had an impact on those plans and he remembers, as a planner and architect, dealing with the ‘neighborhood advisory groups’ in Cambridge, Watertown and Somerville over the years, and convincing them of the merits of his clients’ plans. “We had some tough but productive meetings with them.”

Marc is transitioning to retirement – but not right away. He has a few remaining clients and projects, and is decreasing his work-load. “I’ve been living my life now as if I’m retired for a couple of years now!” He works the hours he wants and likes nothing better than enjoying the city’s amenities: Boston Symphony, the theaters, restaurants, museums, and just walking and enjoying the various neighborhoods. He sails with Boston Community Sailing, and bikes the Esplanade and Minute Man Trail. He adds that just sitting on his balcony with friends looking over the River is perfect. He loves to travel and has owned a small cottage in the Belgrade Lakes in Maine for many years. He spends most weekends there from May to October. “It’s on a quiet, beautiful, glacial lake and the best place anywhere to kayak.” Marc was married for 35 years and his late husband died 10 years ago. But he clearly enjoys life and his family of siblings, nieces and nephews, and many good friends. And he adds that his life is good and that “I probably wouldn’t drive more than 2000 miles a year if not for Maine! I’m quite content.”

Marc is a friendly, generous, busy, and talented neighbor. Please say ‘Hi’ when you see him!

--Jane Hilburt-Davis