Somerville Media Center to open a 5,000 square foot, state-of-the-art media center

Rafi Properties, Owner and Operator of Somernova, the 7.4 acre innovation campus and community dedicated to helping people and companies iterate and grow faster, announced today that the Somerville Media Center (SMC) will expand their footprint at the campus, and open a new, state-of-the-art media center designed to spark creativity and amplify community engagement. SMC is operating in a limited capacity in their current, 2,500 SF space at 12 Tyler Street, and plans to come back and offer all of their services and more in their new space at 29 Properzi Way. Tailor-made for the digital age, the new 5,000 square foot media center, will serve as a nexus of collaboration and exploration designed to inspire Somerville’s next generation of storytellers, innovators, and change-makers.

Established in 1983, the SMC has long been a beacon of connectivity and creativity for the Somerville community. Home to local access channel SCATV, the SMC has hosted nationally recognized programming such as “Dead Air Live,” the longest-running show in US cable access history, and “Let’s Talk About Race,” an award-winning broadcast and podcast program focused on racial dialogues and historical analysis. After the SMC was asked to relocate from the property they were based in for almost 40 years, Rafi Properties offered to rehome the media center in a temporary 2,500 square foot space at Somernova in 2023. Today’s announcement further solidifies SMC’s important presence as part of Somernovas’s creative and innovative ecosystem and marks the next chapter for the SMC as it continues to grow its multi-media offerings including its radio programming, Boston Free Radio, hyperlocal Somerville news shows and locally produced television programs.

“As the producer of SMC’s ‘Let’s Talk About Race’ since 2017, I’ve facilitated and showcased the vital conversations between the BIPOC and white residents of Somerville,” said Diane Wong, Director of the Racial Justice Collaborative. “Our show has always been a space where dialogue about race is open, honest, and transformative. With our move to our new home at 29 Properzi Way, we’re not just changing locations; we’re stepping into a realm of even greater possibilities. This new space, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, represents our ongoing commitment to continue and elevate these critical conversations. Here, in the heart of Somerville, we will delve deeper into the stories that have shaped our racial history and personal experiences, fostering understanding and empathy in a way that only genuine, fearless communication can. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, I am reminded of the power of our voices and the impact of our stories. Together, at our new home, we will explore, learn, and grow, driven by the belief that through meaningful dialogue, we can illuminate the nuanced realities of race and diversity, creating a more inclusive community for everyone.”

The SMC’s expansion at Somernova will advance its servicing of media and communications needs for local non-profit partners and enhance its youth programming and on-campus partnerships. This summer, SMC will host a five-week Youth Creator Club program in collaboration with The Dojo, Somernova’s youth-driven community center pilot. This transformative program will empower 40 young minds to unleash their creativity, learn media production skills, and craft their own stories, leveraging the SMC’s cutting-edge resources and Somernova’s spirit of innovation. Through initiatives like the Youth Creator Club, SMC aims to inspire and empower the next generation of media makers, ensuring that youth voices are heard and amplified.

“This is a huge step forward for SMC. While the continued transformation of Somerville is bringing a lot of change quickly, our new home at 29 Properzi gives us a chance to leverage our history in this city and rejuvenate our organization,” said Jesse Buckley, President of the Somerville Media Center’s Board of Directors. “I’m really excited for SMC’s past, present, and future members to rediscover the power of collaboration with new tools, and in a new studio. This is something we will all be building and discovering together, and it is possible in large part thanks to Somernova and the City of Somerville.”

“Somernova values a holistic campus where innovators from all background and industries can collaborate, grow, and give back to the community of Somerville,” said Collin Yip, Managing Director of Rafi Properties, Owner and Operator of Somernova. “I have no doubt Somerville Media Center’s next chapter on campus will be synergistic and innovative.”

About Somernova: Deeply rooted in the neighborhood vibe of Somerville’s Union Square, Somernova is a 7.4 acre campus for innovation and community whose mission is to help entrepreneurs and companies iterate and grow faster. Owned and operated by Rafi Properties, Somernova is home to an eclectic tenant mix including Greentown Labs, The Bouldering Project, Form Energy, The Engine by MIT, Aeronaut Brewing, Sublime Systems, Eden Geopower, Commonwealth Fusion, Tank Design, Tender Foods, De-Ice, Somerville Bike Kitchen, Somerville Media Center, Riverside Community Care, Carolicous, Somerville Chocolate, The Studio for Sculptural Arts, and The Dojo @ Somernova. While their work spans vast industry sectors, our tenants share in their collective commitment to making the world a better place for everyone. For more information, visit somernova.com

About Rafi Properties: At Rafi Properties, we believe community is the future. As a next-generation real estate development, ownership and investment company, we are dedicated to driving innovation and empowering change through our global development portfolio. Intentionally designed and thoughtfully programmed from ideation to delivery, our properties foster creativity and enrich the communities around them to drive positive transformation. For more information, visit rafiproperties.com.