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Nonprofit plans $14–$16 million rehab of Smith Baker Center into arts hub; city sale, tax credits and grants underpin phase one
Summary
Owen Kelly of the LOL Center for the Arts presented a preservation‑driven plan to convert the Smith Baker Center at 412 Marramac Street into a 500‑seat main hall, a 100‑seat flexible venue and culinary incubator space; the nonprofit said it has $1.5 million raised and expects to close on the purchase June 24 with phased work beginning this summer.
Owen Kelly, executive director of the LOL Center for the Arts, told the board the nonprofit is under contract to purchase the Smith Baker Center at 412 Marramac Street and plans to rehabilitate the building for community arts and performance use. "We are looking at putting in a 500 seat performance hall and event space," Kelly said, describing a restoration that preserves original sanctuary features while adding a 100‑seat space, commercial kitchen for a culinary incubator, classrooms, galleries and full ADA upgrades.
Kelly said the project is on track to close on June 24 and estimated the total project budget at $14–$16 million. He reported $1.5 million raised so far, including $1.1 million from anchor donors and private gifts, $1.4 million in initial financing, a $7,500 grant from the Parker Foundation, a $200,000 grant from the Mass Cultural Council and a $200,000 preservation recommendation from the city’s preservation committee. He said the team expects to finance about 40% of qualifying rehabilitation costs through state and federal rehabilitation tax‑credit programs.
Architect Dennis McCarthy said the project holds roofing and masonry permits and expects masonry work to begin in July and roofing in August; the team described a phased window stabilization plan starting with the most critical units and a new exterior elevator to improve egress and accessibility. Board members requested physical mockups and material samples for the composite slate roofing and repointing to ensure color and texture match historic fabric; Kelly said mockups and samples are available in the building lobby and that staff will coordinate review with city preservation staff.
Board members expressed broad support for preserving the building and for the project team’s progress toward funding and permits. The board asked staff and the applicants to coordinate a schedule for mockups and sample reviews as construction permits are finalized.
