CBT's Kishore Varanasi Honored with A Better City's Norman B. Leventhal Award

We are thrilled to announce that CBT Senior Principal and Director of Urban Design Kishore Varanasi has been honored with A Better City’s Norman B. Leventhal Award for Transportation. The recognition, shared jointly with Perkins + Will Principal Gautam Sundaram, praises his work on the Allston I-90 Multimodal Project, a study which will improve livability, connectivity, and mobility of an outdated section of the Massachusetts Turnpike along the Charles River. Together, Kishore and Gautam have dedicated nearly two decades of their professional expertise and personal time to the advancement of this initiative and restoring public access to a critical section of the riverfront. 

The Norman B. Leventhal Award honors the legacy of A Better City’s founding director and recognizes leaders, innovators, and visionaries who have made significant contributions to our built environment. The event was held on Monday, December 9, 2024 at the Boston Harbor Hotel and was attended by several civic leaders, including Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who delivered laudatory remarks, recognizing the accomplishments of all the honorees.

“It is possible to marry transportation and livability together,” Kishore reflected in his acceptance speech, “if you think outside the boundaries of disciplines, break the silos, and bring multiple perspectives together. That spirit, in many ways, has informed my work over the last couple of decades, when I’m working on large parts of cities both here and elsewhere.” 

The Allston I-90 Multimodal Project explores new ways to open up access to the Charles River, restore the riverbank, and create new opportunities for active transportation and connectivity. The project will include a wide boardwalk along the river as well as enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout. 

Learn more about the Allston I-90 Multimodal Project here. 

Congratulations, Kishore, Gautam, and all the Norman B. Leventhal honorees on this outstanding accomplishment!