Council asks city staff to study future of 25 Lowell Street after arts groups urge continued community use

Two long-standing Cambridge arts organizations — the New School of Music and the Cambridge Art Association — urged the City Council on Sept. 29 to preserve their long-term occupancy at 25 Lowell Street, and the council voted to request a staff review of site conditions and a recommended public process for future use of the property.

Executives from both organizations described services they provide from the historic Lowell Schoolhouse: music education, senior daytime programs, affordable studio and exhibition space, and free community events. "25 Lowell Street is more than a building. It’s a community hub that has nurtured generations of artists, musicians, students and families," Candace Driver of the Cambridge Art Association told the council.

Councilors said the order is intended to increase transparency and to evaluate the city-owned property’s physical condition, capital needs and uses; it is not a directive to displace existing tenants. Lead sponsor Councilor Tim To clarify: Councilor Nolin (note: transcript shows "Nolan"; article uses the transcript spelling "Nolan") framed the policy order as a request to the city manager for an assessment and a recommended process for community engagement and potential capital budgeting. Staff told the council they would evaluate site conditions and propose a public process; the council adopted the order by an 8–0 vote (one absent).

The order cites the building’s historic character and asks staff to consider accessibility improvements, lease terms and options for long-term stewardship. Council members said they expected any major decisions about property disposition, capital work or leases would follow public committee review and budget deliberations.