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Arts groups urge council to preserve 25 Lowell as city orders site assessment
Summary
Representatives of the New School of Music and the Cambridge Art Association urged the council to keep 25 Lowell Street as a community arts hub. The council asked the city manager to provide a site‑condition assessment and to develop a public process for determining future uses.
Leaders of two long‑standing arts organizations told the City Council they want to remain at 25 Lowell Street as the council voted to request a site‑conditions assessment and a process to determine the property's future use.
"Allow us to remain stewards of the beloved Lowell Schoolhouse," said Anne Riesenfeld, executive director of the New School of Music, describing five decades of programming and need for ADA improvements. "If forced to leave, Cambridge would lose two of its longest‑standing arts organizations," she said.
Candace Driver, executive director of the Cambridge Art Association, told the council the gallery and programs at 25 Lowell serve hundreds of artists and thousands of residents and cautioned that displacement would jeopardize affordable arts education.
Councilors said the intent of the order is transparency and a community process, not immediate displacement. Councilor Nolan, a co‑sponsor, said the goal is to assess building condition, leases and the best long‑term public use; the council recorded an affirmative vote to request the report and develop a public process.
Next steps: City staff will assess site conditions, review long‑term lease structures and propose a public engagement process for consideration by council.
