Armory Master Plan

Share Armory Master Plan on Facebook Share Armory Master Plan on Twitter Share Armory Master Plan on Linkedin Email Armory Master Plan link

Phase One Guidance Released for Upcoming Armory Request for Proposals

As the next step in realizing Somerville’s Master Plan to transform the City’s Armory building into a public community arts center, the Ballantyne Administration is sharing phase one application guidance for interested prospective arts tenants.

While the City continues detailed work on a multi-tenant lease structure that complies with state procurement law, Somerville is releasing preliminary information now so that prospective tenants can begin taking steps to support their proposals ahead of the RFP’s release this fall.

“We are working hard to get this right, and we’re making real progress,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “This RFP represents a first-of-its-kind approach for us to welcoming multiple arts tenants under one lease framework, and that requires careful, thorough work to do properly and legally. We are excited for arts groups to start preparing now, and even more excited to see their proposals this fall.”

To establish a vibrant mix of arts tenants and abide by legal requirements for leasing public spaces fairly, the building will be leased through a new, open application process available to both current and new tenants. Tenants will be selected by a community-based Somerville Armory Advisory Board and submitted for approval to the City Council and Mayor. Dozens of applications for the Armory Advisory Board have been received and are being vetted now. The Board will be seated this fall.

For interested artists and arts organizations, the City expects to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this fall. The goal of the RFP process is to create a tenant mix that makes the most of the Armory’s unique potential for artists and the broader community. Any current tenants who choose not to apply, are not arts entities, or that are not selected will be offered comprehensive relocation support as required by law.

Highlights From Phase One Guidance

All prospective applicants should be aware of the following:

  • Eligibility: Applicants must meet the Arts and Creative Enterprise Use Definitions of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance.
  • Spaces Available: Applicants can apply for a range of spaces in the building. A single proposal for the entire building will not be accepted at this time.
  • Lease Terms: Applicants may apply for either (1) a 5-year lease, or (2) a 3-year lease with up to two one-year renewals (maximum 5 years).
  • Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be reviewed based on criteria such as alignment with the Armory’s mission, facilities, and community benefit goals; organizational and fiscal capacity; collaboration with other tenants and the Somerville arts ecosystem; contribution to a diverse tenant mix; women and minority led organization status; and more.
  • Alignment with the Community Need: The Somerville Arts Council has launched an Arts Space Survey to better understand and align the community’s space needs, which is relevant to the Armory and other projects. Artists who currently use, or are seeking arts space are encouraged to complete the survey at: https://cityofsomerville.jotform.com/250346958576067. Deadline August 29.
  • Community Space Goal: The City hopes to see at least one tenant provide community space that is low-cost or free, open to the public regularly, and available at least 20 hours per week.
  • Affordability Goal: The City intends to enhance affordable access to arts and culture, and will set minimum rents that reflect this goal. The City also expects tenants to offer affordable access to arts and culture.

What to Expect in the Full RFP (Fall 2025):

  • A step-by-step application aligned with evaluation criteria.

  • Details on the physical characteristics of each available space.

  • Minimum rental rates for each space.

  • Standard building rules and the lease agreement template.

Application Process:

  • Applicants will have three months to apply.

  • Multiple opportunities will be provided to tour the building.

  • City staff will hold public Q&A sessions, including with Licensing & Permitting staff who will confirm whether a proposed use qualifies as an Arts and Creative Enterprise.

Start Preparing Now:

We encourage prospective tenants to review the Armory Master Plan as the City’s roadmap to creating this public arts center. Prospective tenants should also begin gathering the following:

  • Proposed use or programming that you intend to run.

  • A business proposal or budget for your proposed use.

  • Background on your organization or partnership. A statement on who your organization serves and collaborates with.

  • An outline of anticipated hours of operation and impact of your proposed use on the physical space at the Armory.

Questions:

All questions about the RFP will be accepted once the RFP is released. Questions must be directed only to the Procurement office (details will be provided in the RFP). All questions and answers will be posted publicly (without attribution) via a written addendum to the RFP.

The RFP will be posted on the Armory Master Plan SomerVoice page when released, as well as www.somervillema.gov/procurement.

To get Armory updates direct to your inbox, please subscribe to the Armory Master Plan SomerVoice page or sign up for the Somerville Arts Council newsletter at the bottom of their web page.


About the Armory

Built in 1903, the Armory at 191 Highland Ave has been home to everything from the National Guard to an arts performance space. In 2021, the City of Somerville acquired the building to preserve it as a public community arts center. With over 22,000 square feet of usable space—including a performance hall, café, and artist workspaces—the Armory is poised to become a cornerstone of Somerville’s cultural life.

The City will use the Master Plan as a roadmap to transition the Armory into a modern public arts center over the next few years. The City must follow state law in selecting future tenants through public request for proposal (RFP) procedures, and public relocation processes to help existing tenants in the Armory manage the property’s transition into municipal ownership.

Phase One Guidance Released for Upcoming Armory Request for Proposals

As the next step in realizing Somerville’s Master Plan to transform the City’s Armory building into a public community arts center, the Ballantyne Administration is sharing phase one application guidance for interested prospective arts tenants.

While the City continues detailed work on a multi-tenant lease structure that complies with state procurement law, Somerville is releasing preliminary information now so that prospective tenants can begin taking steps to support their proposals ahead of the RFP’s release this fall.

“We are working hard to get this right, and we’re making real progress,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “This RFP represents a first-of-its-kind approach for us to welcoming multiple arts tenants under one lease framework, and that requires careful, thorough work to do properly and legally. We are excited for arts groups to start preparing now, and even more excited to see their proposals this fall.”

To establish a vibrant mix of arts tenants and abide by legal requirements for leasing public spaces fairly, the building will be leased through a new, open application process available to both current and new tenants. Tenants will be selected by a community-based Somerville Armory Advisory Board and submitted for approval to the City Council and Mayor. Dozens of applications for the Armory Advisory Board have been received and are being vetted now. The Board will be seated this fall.

For interested artists and arts organizations, the City expects to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this fall. The goal of the RFP process is to create a tenant mix that makes the most of the Armory’s unique potential for artists and the broader community. Any current tenants who choose not to apply, are not arts entities, or that are not selected will be offered comprehensive relocation support as required by law.

Highlights From Phase One Guidance

All prospective applicants should be aware of the following:

  • Eligibility: Applicants must meet the Arts and Creative Enterprise Use Definitions of the Somerville Zoning Ordinance.
  • Spaces Available: Applicants can apply for a range of spaces in the building. A single proposal for the entire building will not be accepted at this time.
  • Lease Terms: Applicants may apply for either (1) a 5-year lease, or (2) a 3-year lease with up to two one-year renewals (maximum 5 years).
  • Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be reviewed based on criteria such as alignment with the Armory’s mission, facilities, and community benefit goals; organizational and fiscal capacity; collaboration with other tenants and the Somerville arts ecosystem; contribution to a diverse tenant mix; women and minority led organization status; and more.
  • Alignment with the Community Need: The Somerville Arts Council has launched an Arts Space Survey to better understand and align the community’s space needs, which is relevant to the Armory and other projects. Artists who currently use, or are seeking arts space are encouraged to complete the survey at: https://cityofsomerville.jotform.com/250346958576067. Deadline August 29.
  • Community Space Goal: The City hopes to see at least one tenant provide community space that is low-cost or free, open to the public regularly, and available at least 20 hours per week.
  • Affordability Goal: The City intends to enhance affordable access to arts and culture, and will set minimum rents that reflect this goal. The City also expects tenants to offer affordable access to arts and culture.

What to Expect in the Full RFP (Fall 2025):

  • A step-by-step application aligned with evaluation criteria.

  • Details on the physical characteristics of each available space.

  • Minimum rental rates for each space.

  • Standard building rules and the lease agreement template.

Application Process:

  • Applicants will have three months to apply.

  • Multiple opportunities will be provided to tour the building.

  • City staff will hold public Q&A sessions, including with Licensing & Permitting staff who will confirm whether a proposed use qualifies as an Arts and Creative Enterprise.

Start Preparing Now:

We encourage prospective tenants to review the Armory Master Plan as the City’s roadmap to creating this public arts center. Prospective tenants should also begin gathering the following:

  • Proposed use or programming that you intend to run.

  • A business proposal or budget for your proposed use.

  • Background on your organization or partnership. A statement on who your organization serves and collaborates with.

  • An outline of anticipated hours of operation and impact of your proposed use on the physical space at the Armory.

Questions:

All questions about the RFP will be accepted once the RFP is released. Questions must be directed only to the Procurement office (details will be provided in the RFP). All questions and answers will be posted publicly (without attribution) via a written addendum to the RFP.

The RFP will be posted on the Armory Master Plan SomerVoice page when released, as well as www.somervillema.gov/procurement.

To get Armory updates direct to your inbox, please subscribe to the Armory Master Plan SomerVoice page or sign up for the Somerville Arts Council newsletter at the bottom of their web page.


About the Armory

Built in 1903, the Armory at 191 Highland Ave has been home to everything from the National Guard to an arts performance space. In 2021, the City of Somerville acquired the building to preserve it as a public community arts center. With over 22,000 square feet of usable space—including a performance hall, café, and artist workspaces—the Armory is poised to become a cornerstone of Somerville’s cultural life.

The City will use the Master Plan as a roadmap to transition the Armory into a modern public arts center over the next few years. The City must follow state law in selecting future tenants through public request for proposal (RFP) procedures, and public relocation processes to help existing tenants in the Armory manage the property’s transition into municipal ownership.

Page last updated: 22 Aug 2025, 12:07 PM