City of Newton, MA
Home MenuNew Art Center/Church of the Open Word Restoration
Location: 
Church of the Open Word
19 Highland Avenue, Newtonville
Goals:
The New Art Center is considering relocating to this location and is requesting CPA funding to begin the process of planning for the preservation and rehabilitation of the two historic buildings on the site - the ca. 1886 Parish House and ca. 1893 church building designed by well known 19th century architect Ralph Adams Cram. The project will inform the preservation of the existing site, develop conceptual plans for its future use, and provide an initial estimate of potential renovation and construction costs for converting the space to include an exhibition gallery, lecture and performance space, classrooms and studio space, and a function venue for Newton's cultural institutions.
Funding:
$94,600 CPA Funding (Requested)
$94,600 New Art CARES Act Tax Credit Savings (Confirmed)
$189,200 TOTAL PROJECT COST
Contacts:
Michael Kaufman, Project Manager - mkkaufman@rcn.com
Dewey Nichols - DANichols@nicholsarchitectsllc.com
Emily O'Neil - emily@newartcenter.org
61 Washington Park
Newtonville, MA 02460
617-359-6451
Funding Process
October 22, 2021 - Pre-Proposal submitted for CPC review at their next meeting on Tuesday, November 9. Materials submitted at this time include the following:
- Pre-Proposal Form and Project Narrative (including project press release)
- Church of the Open Word Building Assessment and Master Plan (Completed 2014)
- Photos of the Existing Property
- Letters of Support (five letters were submitted with the pre-proposal)
December 17, 2021 - Full Proposal submitted for Public Hearing at the January 11, 2022 Meeting. Proposal includes Form as well as photos, project timeline and narrative, budget, financial documents, letters of support, and additional supporting materials. An additional Letter of Support was also submitted separately for this application.
January 10, 2022 - Letters of Support received from:
January 11, 2022 - Public Hearing on proposal followed by CPC unanimous vote to recommend full funding of the project. The funding recommendation will be sent to City Council for review and approval.
January 24, 2022 - CPC Funding Recommendation sent to City Council for their review and approval.
March 7, 2022 - City Council Order approves full funding of CPA project.
June 2023 - Completed materials submitted from the project include:
- Conceptual Site Design completed by Utile
- Surveyed Site Plan
- New Art Center Expansion Feasibility Study
July 11, 2023 - Final Report submitted
Additional Information
Historic Resource Inventory Form for 19 Highland Avenue
Timothy Harrington Carter Autobiography (Donated land for church)