Newton Takes Step Closer To Turning Armory Into Affordable Homes

NEWTON, MA — The city is taking a step closer toward turning the castle-like National Guard Armory building on Washington Street into affordable housing units.

After setting up a feasibility study and then acquiring the building earlier this year, city officials sent out a request for proposals on July 1.

"We’re seeking a partner who can transform the property into a wonderful home that helps advance our affordable housing goals," Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a statement. "We’re looking for a partner with creative ideas founded in a commitment to serving and supporting the future occupants, while simultaneously being sensitive to the neighbors and neighborhood; a partner that can produce a project that is architecturally appealing, consistent with our environmental and sustainability goals, while helping to further our fair housing initiatives and brings a strong track record of affordable housing projects."

Previously:

• Newton Edges Forward On Using Armory For ...
• Newton City Council Eyes Armory Purchase

The idea goes back a ways. In 2019 the mayor appointed a Joint Advisory Planning Group made up of nine residents. After a year of research, they voted in November 2020 to recommend that the city move forward to pay the $1 dollar to use the Armory for 100 percent affordable housing, they then put it to the Real Property Reuse Committee, which also recommended the same.

The city bought the property for $1 from the state and has been working on next steps with a consultant, which helped draft the "request for proposals."

The building at 1137 Washington St was most recently used as a recruiting office for the US Army National Guard. In years past, recreational volleyball teams would have their games inside.

The 2010 census had Newton at 32,648 housing units, although the city website puts housing in the city at 31,975 currently. The anticipated total for 2030 for large multi-families with more than 50 units under construction in 2018, include the Austin Street development with 68 and Washington Place with 140.

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