MA Hands Over West Newton Armory To City For Affordable Housing

NEWTON, MA — The state has officially handed over the West Newton Armory to the city for $1, with the provision that it be transformed into affordable housing.

The armory, located at 1135 Washington Street, housed the Massachusetts State National Guard for over 100 years. After the National Guard decommissioned the building, they transferred control of it to the state's Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and it was offered to the City of Newton.

"Since that time, so many people have come together to determine thoughtfully that affordable housing is the best use for this building and for Newton," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in an email to community members last week. "I’m so pleased that the City is moving forward with the purchase and opening the doors of Newton wider to people of all incomes."

According to the city, the initial phase of the project, which included pre-development studies and assessments, costed a total of $41,270, with $20,000 coming from state grant funds and $21,270 coming from Community Preservation Act funds.

For more information about the project, contact Director of Housing and Community Development Amanda Berman at aberman@newtonma.gov.