Plainville Square

Approximately 40 miles south of Boston lies the small town of Plainville, Massachusetts, home to fewer than 10,000 residents. Jeff Kinney, renowned author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, has embarked on a mission to rejuvenate his community, beginning with the establishment of his bookstore, An Unlikely Story. More than a bookstore, An Unlikely Story has become a central gathering place and a catalyst for broader revitalization efforts in Plainville’s downtown area.

In 2021, Jeff and his wife Julie Kinney brought in the Arrowstreet team to help realize his vision of a revitalized town center which respected Plainville’s historical prominence in the textile and manufacturing sectors while providing vitality and flexibility for the future. Arrowstreet’s master plan addresses Kinney’s long-term goals while considering immediate improvements. Working in collaboration with CWDG landscape architects, a series of park and commercial spaces provide community gathering and economic opportunities for a revitalized town center. Early phases include the introduction of a food and beer garden featuring performance areas and lawn games. To keep this area flexible for future development, a series of customized shipping containers that can be moved to future sites are planned. Also in phase 1 is a town green designed to host community events such as arts and music festivals and farmers’ markets. These early project components are strategically located at two corners of the main intersection in the town square to immediately transform the site.

To achieve the vision for the site, future phases shown in the masterplan include a full-service restaurant with an associated market (currently neither exists in the downtown), the “writer’s cottage” – a two-unit short term rental (aka Airbnb) for visiting writers, waterfront function room and future retail and office space. The long-term vision aims to establish permanent storefronts, ensuring a lively and prosperous community hub.

Arrowstreet is proud to support the Kinney’s dedication to Plainville. The plan reflects their emphasis on the importance of creating spaces where residents can connect and engage, reflecting their belief in the transformative power of community-centered initiatives. Through their efforts, the Kinneys hope to foster a renewed sense of pride and togetherness among Plainville’s residents, ensuring the town’s legacy endures for future generations.