Arts and Culture at 290 North Beacon

The planned acquisition of 290 North Beacon Street is a community benefit resulting from the 155 North Beacon Street development review (Article 80) process. The 155 North Beacon Street project caused the displacement of artists and loss of studio space in Brighton. As a result, the developer of 155 North Beacon and the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), in partnership with MOAC, agreed to enter into an agreement to convey the 290 North Beacon property so that the City, as the owner in fee simple, can create a space that can be used as an affordable rehearsal space for displaced artists as well as other compatible uses. Following the acquisition, the City, in coordination with MOAC, shall commence a request for proposal process to ensure the disposition of the property will facilitate the creation of the affordable rehearsal space for displaced artists.

(Red text indicates current status.)

• In June 2023, with the approval of the 155 North Beacon redevelopment project, the City and the project proponent announced the intention to transfer 290 North Beacon as a public benefit for the arts and culture community.
• In April 2024, the BPDA Board approved what is known as a “Demonstration Project” allowing the BPDA to accept possession of the property.
• Transfer from the developer to the BPDA, led by Planning Department staff, will take place in parallel to the community meetings and BPDA will transfer the property to the City (subject to a BPDA Board vote) prior to a RFP being released.

• Community Meetings to Inform the Reconstruction: The City of Boston and BHA will host community meetings to inform the future of the site.
• Request for Proposals to Identify a Turnkey Developer: The City and BHA will work together along with the community to identify a developer to reconstruct the site.
• Site Reconstruction: Following the selection of a developer and the approvals process, the site will undergo reconstruction providing a secure future for arts, culture, and affordable housing in Brighton.
• Identify an Operator for the Arts and Culture Space: The City will also need to issue a RFP for an operator of the newly created arts and culture space. At this time, no determination on the timing of this RFP has been made. 

The arts and culture community as well as the broader community will be sought for input at various stages of the process. Community members will have the opportunity to review the turnkey developer RFP before it is issued. MOAC also commits to a public presentation of the eventual proposals it receives. MOAC and BHA are continuing to develop a plan for community input.