Newton Receives 7 Proposals For Armory Affordable Housing Project

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton has received seven proposals for transforming the West Newton Armory into affordable housing after purchasing the building from the state for $1 last month.

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 with the caveat that it could be used only for 100% permanently affordable housing.

"We are now seeking a partner with creative ideas for 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 and consistent with our environmental and sustainability goals; and a partner with a strong track record of affordable housing projects," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in an update on Oct. 14.

According to Fuller, each of the seven development teams will be interviewed by an evaluation committee comprised of residents, a City Council representative, and city staff. Following the first round of interviews in early November, each of the firms will be providing an executive summary slide presentation of their proposal.

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