CultureHouse and the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) released a report that details the impact of CultureHouse Union Square, an intergenerational community pop-up located in a once vacant storefront at 64 Union Square. CultureHouse Union Square, funded by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, was the result of a partnership between CultureHouse and USNC with the intent of informing the design of and showing the case for a long-term community center for the neighborhood. 

The storefront at 64 Union was transformed into a “community living room” – an area where community members and visitors could access community resources, convene, build community, and participate in a diverse set of programming. The space also served to uplift local artists, vendors, community groups, nonprofits, and businesses.

CultureHouse Union Square was active for five months from January 10 to June 9, 2024 and, during that time, hosted 3,114 visitors and 124 events. Further reporting and resident feedback indicates that the pop-up was successful in its endeavor to foster and promote community connections, and provide a space that responded to the wants and needs of the people.  Furthermore, the pop-up clearly showed the need for a long-term community center in the Union Square neighborhood. 

Report highlights and learnings:  

• Creation of a safe and welcoming space to gather and connect

• 1. 3,114 total visitors and 124 events
  2. 70% of visitors remained at the pop-up for more than 1 hour
  3. 68% of visitors said they met someone new while at the pop-up

• Fostered neighborhood connections within and across identities

• 1. 41% of visitors were Union Square residents, other visitors came from surrounding neighborhoods
  2. 20% of neighborhood visitors were new to the Square having lived there for fewer than 2 years
  3. Most popular events included Queer Club Fair, Punk Rock Art Market, Saggy Jams Local Music & Art Showcase, and Tabletop Game Night

“At CultureHouse Union Square, we were able to create a space that reflected the community, uplifted local businesses and creatives, and made a tangible impact on our neighbors. We were thrilled to test out what a future community center in the area could look like,” said Aaron Greiner, Executive Director of CultureHouse. “We are pleased to release this report as a resource to the community and look forward to the long-term impact our learnings will bring.”

“As Union Square continues to grow, an intergenerational community center is needed to promote social connections and provide community members a space to gather. We were pleased to see community members take so quickly to CultureHouse Union Square and plan to use report findings to continue to advocate for a center that addresses the needs of our residents and local business owners,” said Ann Camara and Michèle Hansen, Co-Chairs of the Union Square Neighborhood Council’s Community Center Committee.

The report is intended to serve as a resource for city planners, business owners, and community organizations that currently operate or are looking to create new social infrastructure for the Union Square community. The CultureHouse Union Square impact report provides recommendations on creating welcoming and accessible community spaces, developing intentional partnerships, and activating underutilized community resources with diverse programming. 

On Wednesday, October 30th from 6:30–8:00 pm, CultureHouse and USNC will be hosting a meeting with the local community to share the details of the impact report and additional suggestions for developing a vibrant and welcoming long-term community center for the neighborhood. This meeting will be in person at CultureHouse HQ (16 Union Square, Somerville). To register and learn more about this community meeting, please go to https://culturehouse.cc/projects/union-square/  

CultureHouse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving livability in local communities by transforming unused spaces into vibrant social infrastructure. They create lasting change through community engagement, building designs, operating experimental pop-up spaces, and impact reports. Learn more at www.culturehouse.cc/union 

The Union Square Neighborhood Council was formed with the mission to shape the future of Union Square as an increasingly inclusive and vibrant neighborhood and commercial center built around the aspirations of the people who live and work there. They value interdependence, inclusion, wellness, participation, equity, enjoyment, stewardship, transparency, and civic engagement. Learn more at https://sites.google.com/view/usnc