In the Fall of 2009, a team of graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning partnered with the City of Lowell’s Division of Planning and Development to create a neighborhood plan for the Lower Highlands. The plan assesses the existing conditions, creates a vision for urban improvement, and presents both short- and long-term implementation strategies. The fundamental goal is to create a more livable, vibrant, urban neighborhood for the existing community through five strategies: ecological interventions, streetscape and traffic improvements, enhancing walkability and connectivity to public transit options, housing & commercial development, and identification of catalyst properties.