Wyman Castle Committee's Vision - Press Release

Save the Wyman Castle Committee Unveils Vision for Historic Wyman Castle and Surrounding Property

Woburn, MA — The Save the Wyman Castle Committee, comprised of dedicated Woburn residents Susan Thifault (Chair), Patti McCauley, Madelyn Farrell, Catherine Shaughnessy, Kathryn Thifault, and Karen Thifault, is proud to unveil its long-term vision for the preservation and revitalization of the historic Wyman Castle and its surrounding property.
Launched over a year ago, the committee’s campaign began with a clear and passionate mission: to save Wyman Castle and explore sustainable, community-driven uses for the property that honor Woburn’s rich history while embracing its future potential.
Over the past year, the committee has dedicated hundreds of hours to researching similar preservation efforts across Massachusetts and beyond. Members have studied successful models of historic reuse, community engagement, and creative revitalization—gathering insights into what Woburn could achieve with bold vision and collective support.
“Wyman Castle is more than just a beautiful historic building—it’s a symbol of Woburn’s heritage and a potential centerpiece for future generations,” said Susan Thifault. “Our goal is to preserve it not just as a relic of the past, but as a living part of our community’s future.”

The Committee’s Vision Includes:

• Preserving the castle’s historic beauty and surrounding land.
• Transforming it into a vibrant space for arts, culture, and community hub.
• Partnering with local historical and civic organizations to ensure sustainable success.

Next Steps

The committee is proud of the many residents who have joined as Castle Team members and helped spread the word. In the coming months, the committee will engage the broader Woburn community through a series of informational meetings. All residents are encouraged to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the future of this beloved local landmark.

Meeting with Mayor Concannon and City Councilor Demers

The committee extends its sincere appreciation to Mayor Mike Concannon and Ward 4 City Councilor Joe Demers for meeting with us on November 5, 2025. The information below summarizes the materials presented during our discussion.

The Castle Arts and Community Center:

Honoring Our History, Transforming Our Future

Join us in reimagining the Wyman Elementary School as a vibrant community hub celebrating Woburn’s rich history and creativity. This transformation will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, community pride, and cultural enrichment.

The Perfect Foundation

The historic 1892 castle, along with its 1964 addition, offers an incredible opportunity to revitalize an unused school into a thriving arts and community center.

• 35,500 square feet of space
• 3.6-acre site at 677 Main Street, Woburn
• A community hub serving the entire city

Proposed Uses

• Studios & Exhibition Gallery – Spaces for classes, workshops, and exhibits in partnership with the Woburn Guild of Artists and Woburn Public Schools.
• Community Center & Meeting Space – A welcoming resource for local clubs, groups, and residents.
• Woburn Historical Society / Museum – A home for local history, tourism information, genealogy, and educational programs.
• Performance Space – The stage area could host concerts, readings, theater, and community events.
• Café – A welcoming gathering place for visitors and residents alike.
• Greenspace & Community Gardens – Outdoor areas for meetings, educational programs, and gardening.

How This Project Will Strengthen Woburn

• Higher Property Values – Proximity to cultural amenities can increase residential property values by up to 12% and commercial values by up to 30%.
• Tourism Boost – Cultural tourists typically spend 36% more than other leisure travelers.
• New Business Growth – Communities often experience a 10–20% rise in new business registrations.

“Cultural institutions act as economic multipliers, creating vibrant neighborhoods that attract both businesses and residents, ultimately expanding the tax base.” — American Planning Association

Community Hubs: Economic & Social Impact

Arts Outperform Sports: Massachusetts data shows that the arts and culture sector generates $27.2 billion annually (4.2% of the state GDP), significantly outpacing sports revenue and representing one of the state’s largest economic drivers.
Local Demand
With the continued growth of Woburn Public School’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, many students and families seek opportunities to expand their involvement in the arts. Currently, they often travel to nearby communities—such as Wilmington, Lexington, Reading, Winchester, and Melrose—for art, theater, and music programs. This project would provide those opportunities right here in Woburn and a place to call “Home.”

Proven Success & Sustainable Growth

Over 100 Massachusetts communities have successfully created arts and community centers. A few inspiring examples include:

• The Umbrella Arts Center (Concord) – Transformed a former school into a multidisciplinary arts hub hosting 50+ studio artists and drawing thousands of visitors annually.
• ArtSpace (Maynard) – Converted a vacant mill into a vibrant artist community and exhibition space supporting 80+ artists.
• Mosesian Center for the Arts (Watertown) – Revitalized an industrial space into a thriving arts complex featuring theaters, galleries, and educational programs.
• Arts at the Armory (Somerville) – Restored a 1903 armory into a bustling community arts center.
• TCAN Art Center (Natick) – Located in a historic 1875 firehouse, TCAN now hosts concerts, theater, and arts workshops.
• Creative Arts (Reading) – Provides visual and performing arts instruction for residents of all ages in a thriving community setting.

Closing Comments

Wyman Castle is not just a building — it’s a cornerstone of Woburn’s identity, a rare and irreplaceable piece of our shared history. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
The Save the Wyman Castle Committee has already invested countless hours researching preservation models, building community support, and outlining a realistic, sustainable path forward. We are prepared to establish a nonprofit, raise funds, and work in partnership with the City of Woburn and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality.
The community has two choices:

1. Allow a developer to purchase the property—losing this historic treasure forever.
2. Work together to build something lasting: a community center that raises home values, inspires our children, and brings Woburn together in new ways.

This isn’t just about land—it’s about legacy. Woburn has always been a great sports city. Isn’t it time we became a world class city, too?

Join Our Team

To learn more or get involved, contact us at:
savethewymancastle@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/view/savewymancastle/home