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Walker Center Reuse Project

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Project Background

The Walker Center for Ecumenical Exchange is located at the intersection of Grove and Hancock Streets in Auburndale. Before its' eventual closure in 2019, the site and adjacent buildings provided housing and educational resources, first to foreign missionaries then to international students, for over 140 years. Click here to view a map of the properties and surrounding parcels.

In 2021, Mayor Fuller announced the opportunity to purchase a portion of the Walker Center directly adjacent to the Williams Elementary School with $2.45 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City Council allowed the purchase of the parcel in November 2021 (Council Order #392-21). The purchase allowed the City the flexibility to expand the playground area for the school. Additionally, the purchase allows the City to provide permanently affordable housing by renovating the three family-sized homes on the site. 

Image shows the Howard House, a yellow home with green shrubbery around the front. Image shows the Harding Complex, a green home off of Grove Street and directly adjacent to Williams Elementary School.

In the Fall of 2023, City staff began the Real Property Reuse process with the City Council's Real Property Reuse Committee by declaring the approximately 25,000 square feet of land containing the three homes surplus. The approximately 10,000 square feet remaining was not declared surplus and will be reserved for potential school expansion. After a public hearing, the Real Property Reuse Committee voted to form a Joint Advisory Planning Group (JAPG) to determine the use of the site.

Originally, the JAPG was scheduled to submit its report to the Newton City Council Real Property Reuse Committee by January 31, 2025. During the January 9th meeting, the JAPG voted 8-1 to request a three month extension of their charge from the Newton City Council Reuse Committee. That request was granted, and three additional meetings were held in February, March, and April.

JAPG Meetings and Materials

All questions and comments should be directed to WalkerCenterJAPG@newtonma.gov.

The JAPG's recommendations can be found in the final report. To access the appendices, please click here. 

Members:

  • David Boronkay
  • Rose Day
  • Thomas Gagen
  • Paul Giragos
  • Abigail Glovsky
  • Ken Gould
  • David Hedison
  • Kenneth Krems
  • Julie Shea

Meetings: 

  1. Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 4-5:30 p.m.
  2. Thursday, September 19, 2024  from 4-5:30 p.m.
  3. Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 4-5:30 p.m.
  4. Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 4-5:30 p.m.
  5. Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  6. Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  7. Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  8. Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  9. Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  10. Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Area Map

 

Walker Center Feasibility Study

 In 2023, the City received a Housing Choice Grant from the State to complete a site assessment and building evaluations of the structures located on the City owned former Walker Center site to determine their eligibility for future development as affordable housing. The City hired a development team led by Weston and Sampson to review the site and develop potential plans for future affordable housing configurations.  This team worked with City Staff and the JAPG throughout 2024 and completed their final report in February 2025.  The report and appendices are linked below:

Walker Center Feasibility Study

Walker Center Feasibility Study Appendices