Sunderland is a small community in Western Mass, nestled in the Connecticut River Valley. The town was one of 125 communities that received COVID recovery funds from the State to assess impacts from the pandemic and develop project-based plans for their commercial districts.

OverUnder was selected to help Sunderland devise implementable strategies for reviving the Village Center after the disruptive effects of the pandemic. Through research and deep engagement with town staff, residents, business and property owners, OverUnder developed a plan of actionable project recommendations along three times frames: short-term (outdoor activation, small business capital & technical assistance), medium-term (marketing, branding & wayfinding), and longer-term recommendations (a business retention plan, zoning and redevelopment of parcels, mobility study).