Somerville’s ArtFarm will see development in the design process this summer. — Photo courtesy of the City of Somerville

By Shira Laucharoen

While plans for the development of Somerville’s ArtFarm had previously been held back, the initiative will experience progress over the summer. There is no set date for the completion of the project, but organizers intend to make headway on construction documents this season, with the aim of having a bid package ready in 2019.

Having been in discussions since 2015, ArtFarm will be a public space, described by the Somerville Arts Council as “a self-sustaining art and urban agriculture laboratory.” The project will transform a former waste transfer station in the Brickbottom neighborhood into an environmentally sound community center. Although the site was considered for other municipal needs in 2017, according to executive director of the Somerville Arts Council Gregory Jenkins, Mayor Joseph Curtatone designated 10 Poplar Street as ArtFarm’s permanent home in the fall of 2017. Since that point, the design process was temporarily stalled while the city interviewed and updated an owner’s project manager, said ArtFarm’s lead designer Chris Grimley. This summer, organizers will continue to revise designs, hoping to have drawings and images completed for release in 2019.

The construction site of ArtFarm currently houses a greenhouse and planting beds. — Photo by Shira Laucharoen

“Different people were saying, how can the site be an experimental place to deal with social issues? That was pretty key,” said Jenkins. “Before you know it, there was a grandiose, idealistic situation where ArtFarm could help be a creative, sustaining village and support the community in its efforts. Those high and mighty goals are still there… but it took a while now for recommitment from the city to use the site for ArtFarm.”

ArtFarm will integrate agricultural programs with creative and cultural engagements. Plans include a proposed ArtBarn, a structure that will house performances, art shows, yoga classes, and more. The space will also integrate a greenhouse leased by Green City Growers and a raised bed that Groundwork Somerville will use for its World Crop Program. ArtFarm will utilize sustainable practices in its design, which will employ photovoltaic panels, soil remediation strategies, and strategic depaving. It will also make use of a storm water tank and pump infrastructure, intended to alleviate flooding.

Designing the space will total to 3.2 million dollars, said senior planner for landscape design for the City of Somerville Luisa Oliveira. The project’s team recently hosted a community meeting on May 8 and has been responding to public opinion, incorporating a walking path and seating into the layout.

“Everything has been in response to input and advocacy, and advocates made the project happen,” said Oliveira. “The last step, the thing we heard was wanted was more of a park, and we responded to that. It’s a place you would go to use as a park when there is no arts festival or programming. It will be the fifth largest open space in Somerville.”
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The proposed layout of ArtFarm was displayed during the May 8 community meeting. — Photo courtesy of the City of Somerville