In the heart of Upham’s Corner, a neighborhood characterized by 19th-century triple-deckers and industrial buildings, Humphreys Street Studios is home to a vibrant community of artists, both established and emerging. From painters and metalworkers to stone carvers, furniture makers, graphic designers, and a blacksmith, the artists here represent a diverse array of disciplines and experiences. Ranging in age from 25 to 80, they include street artists and university professors, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
Cristina Todseco, a theatrical set designer who has had a studio at Humphreys Street since 2004, describes the community as a hub of creativity, production, and energy. This rare and precious environment was facing an uncertain future due to the threat of displacement by private developers. However, in a major victory for the arts community, the artists rallied together and, with the support of the city of Boston, non-profit funders, and New Atlantic Development, a mission-driven real estate company with a history of working with artist communities, they secured the future of Humphreys Street Studios.
Through a creative $2.8 million deal, which included $1.7 million in city funds and American Rescue Plan funds, majority ownership of the building was transferred to the artists who work there. This innovative partnership model demonstrates the interlinked partnerships necessary to keep property affordable in today’s rapidly changing real estate landscape. The art studios are now governed by a non-profit board, ensuring the long-term preservation of this vital creative space.
The good news doesn’t end there. An eagerly anticipated addition to the Humphreys Street Studios community is underway on a vacant lot next door. This new development, located at 2 Hillsboro Street, will offer 21 live/work condominiums for homeownership, 18 of which will have preference for Boston-certified artists. The project, which recently received final approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency, is designed to address the critical need for affordable housing for artists in the city.
Based on income limits established for the units, an artist earning 80% of the area median income could purchase a one-bedroom unit for $219,500 or a two-bedroom unit for $258,500. Catherine Infantino, a project manager for New Atlantic Development, emphasizes that the intention of the project has always been to provide affordable housing with a preference for artists, supporting the community that has been a driving force behind the revitalization of the area.
She acknowledges the unique challenges faced by artists in Boston’s competitive real estate market, where both living and workspaces are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Ami Bennitt, an arts administrator and marketing specialist who helped launch the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition out of the Humphreys Street Studios anti-displacement campaign, points out that the list of artist studios lost to redevelopment in Boston is extensive.
Bennitt stresses the importance of community for artists, emphasizing that live/work spaces offer more than just a place to create. They provide a sense of belonging and foster collaboration. The decline in affordable live/work spaces has been a growing concern over the past decades, particularly in the last five to ten years.
In recognition of the need to preserve affordable live/work spaces for artists, former Boston Mayor Tom Menino launched the Artist Space Initiative in 2001. The initiative aimed to keep artists in the city amidst rising real estate values. Today, the market is even more challenging, making the venture incredibly difficult, especially without immediate cash on hand to save properties from private developers.
In 2022, Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville joined forces with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to launch an initiative to protect existing arts and cultural spaces and create new ones. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has earmarked millions of ARPA dollars for the city’s Office of Arts and Culture.
Despite these efforts, artist displacement has become increasingly common. Bennitt notes that artists pushed out of Boston are relocating to cities such as Lowell, Haverhill, New Bedford, and Pawtucket, R.I., where studio space is still available and affordable. However, she emphasizes that simply moving elsewhere is not a sustainable solution. Policies and protections are needed to address the systemic challenges faced by artists in the housing market.
The 2 Hillsboro Street development represents a significant step towards providing affordable housing for artists in Boston. All units in the new development will be income-restricted, with 18 units reserved for Boston-certified artists. The Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture offers artist housing certification, which qualifies people for affordable live/work spaces.
The city has demonstrated its commitment to saving artists from displacement and maintains an active list of live/work and work-only spaces. The 2 Hillsboro Street units will offer a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, designed with additional square footage for workspace. The four-story building, located just a five-minute walk from the Upham’s Corner commuter rail stop, will also feature common workspaces.
According to Tedesco, the added workspace is crucial because not every living situation is suitable for art-making. For artists who use heavy equipment or require ventilation, a typical apartment may not be sufficient. Several artists at Humphreys Street Studios have already expressed interest in the condominiums, which are expected to break ground in November. Prices will range from $180,800 to $378,000.
Infantino encourages individuals who qualify based on the area median income to explore the possibility of purchasing a unit at 2 Hillsboro Street. She notes that many people mistakenly assume that such developments are not intended for them. However, she emphasizes that reaching out for more information is essential.
The city-run Boston Home Center is a valuable resource for anyone seeking information about affordable housing options. “There are people out there willing to help get people into these situations,” says Infantino. “There are so many more that aren’t applying who need to know about these. College kids at MassArt could come out and have a home. Get them stabilized and into a place where they can stick around and keep doing their art.”
The 2 Hillsboro Street development is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering commitment to preserving Boston’s vibrant arts scene. By working together, artists, community organizations, and city officials have created a model for protecting affordable live/work spaces and ensuring that artists continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural landscape.
