Somerville Has Master Plan For Armory

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city released a draft of its master plan centered around the future of the Somerville Armory, and how it can best transition the property on 191 Highland Ave. into a community arts center.

The city acquired the property in 2021 in order to assist tenants with post-pandemic rent issues in the short-term. However, the long-term goal was to make it a fully public space.
According to Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the draft development process included stakeholder interviews, focus groups, research, and several public meetings.

One large component of the master plan is the proposed creation of a board that oversees the building that will eventually become financially independent.

“From rehearsal, studio, teaching, and gallery space to event and community space, the Armory is poised to build on its strong foundation as an arts and community hub. The public’s vision and ownership of this plan will help the Armory grow into even broader access and activity for artists and the public alike,”Somerville Arts Council Director Greg Jenkins said.

The city aims to have the plan finalized by December, and invites public feedback to the plan during the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10.