anyone have news about the armory project on highland?

[an-art-worker.livejournal.com]

So I go past the old armory on Highland all the time and used to see regular activity but it seems to be sleeping of late. If I recall the opening projected date was last Fall. Anyone know what is up with the space/place. Seemed like a cool idea/use of the space (art/performance center).

Comments

[blondeamazon.livejournal.com]

I've always wanted to put a club in there. Imagine flashing colored lights peeking through the cool windows!

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Heh, I don't think that would enthuse the neighbors.

[darthcr1.livejournal.com]

What if it were a book club that just had a lot of flashing lights and quiet conversation? Maybe some tea?

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Might go over better, provided you turned the lights off before midnight. :-)

[ron_newman]

I don't know what progress they are making, but their web site is http://www.ArtsAtTheArmory.org . The developer owns the Middle East Restaurant/Clubs in Central Square, Cambridge. He is not putting a nightclub in here; the neighbors would never allow that.

[mderidder.livejournal.com]

Further down that page, it says anticipated opening was early 2006. Clearly, they have run into problems.

[gib.livejournal.com]

i hope this becomes a gallery/installation similar to AI. i thought this was the plan?

[derekp.livejournal.com]

It's such a cool old building, it's a shame that whoever owns it can't get their act together. Maybe they should go back to Central Bank for more funding! (I've been seeing that "Another project funded by Central Bank" sign for years, I think. At this point, it's not exactly good advertising).

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

There's obviously a problem, and I'd be curious to know what it is. I received a flyer from a band last fall that was scheduled to appear there in November 2007. Also, I know that they booked a reunion gathering for St. Anne's parish, and never notified them that the space wasn't completed/permitted. They had to find a new location at the last minute!

[ron_newman]

Call the Somerville Arts Council (617.625.6600 ext. 2985) and talk to Greg or Rachel or Lauren. They might know something more. Then please let us all know what you find out.

[nomacmac.livejournal.com]

I don't know if this is true or not, but I heard it was stalled over a battle with the neighbors. The Armory wants to put in a kitchen, and the neighbors equate that with running a full-time restaurant, and don't want that to happen.

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

I heard through a city official that they were found to be installing a kitchen, which was contrary to what their permit allowed. They were informed that they had to remove it. Perhaps this is what caused the holdup? There was a specific agreement regarding what would or would not be included and they are legally bound to adhere to it. It doesn't say much for the integrity of the owners (and perhaps even their supporters, such as the Arts Council) that this early on they are already going against their agreements with the city and the neighborhood.

[fefie.livejournal.com]

Google turns up a couple of MySpace pages that indicate the Mark Sandman Music Project recently moved into the Armory. Surprising, given the lack of signs of life and that construction seems to have stopped. So, this must mean the Armory now has its occupancy permit?!