Fitchburg has begun renovating three historic buildings into 60 units of affordable housing for artists

FITCHBURG — Work is underway on three historic buildings near the Fitchburg Art Museum that will be transformed into 60 units of affordable housing/work space for artists.

According to Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia, the current goal for completion/opening of the project, named the Fitchburg Arts Community, is early 2025.

“This transformative project is over 10 years in the making. Artist-preference housing, the 2nd project of its kind in the state (The Appleton Mills Apartments in Lowell being the first), encompassing 3 historic buildings: the former BF Brown Middle school (1923), City Stables (1899), and the former Fitchburg High School Annex building/Fitchburg Academy (1869),” Squailia said on Facebook.

The Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM) and NewVue Communities, a regional community development corporation which purchased the buildings from the city, are partnering on the project.

Once complete, the Fitchburg Art Museum plans on working with the Fitchburg Arts Community (FAC) in order to maintain its sustainability.

“The Fitchburg Art Museum is committed to working with FAC residents to create, nurture, and sustain a creative community in Fitchburg. This partnership will include professional development, cross-programing and marketing, public art, and other opportunities,” FAM announced on their website.

The Fitchburg Arts Community will feature an assortment of living spaces, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments as well as studios and workspaces.

Most of the units will be affordable, available to artists with annual family incomes between approximately $25,000 – $55,000. Approximately 30% of the apartments will be market-rate units.

Projected affordable rents will be $800-$850/month (1 bedroom, 602-778 sq. ft), $950-$1,050/month (2 bedrooms, 725-1,287 sq. ft.), $1,150-$1,200/month (3 bedrooms, 1,388-1,454 sq. ft.).

To be eligible for The Fitchburg Arts Community, one must work within the “Creative Industries” as defined by the Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development. This includes a wide range of creative professionals including: artists, artisans, architects, and designers (encompassing graphic, product, interior, fashion, and digital game design), as well as photographers, filmmakers, videographers, musicians, theater experts, dancers, performers, and those engaged in advertising, marketing, and cultural non-profit organizations.