FITCHBURG — As transformation of the former B.F. Brown School into housing and artist space reaches the permitting process, developers and architects for the Fitchburg Arts Community are gathering public feedback to make sure the building meets their needs.
“We don’t want to permit something we don’t want to build,” said NewVue Communities Executive Director Marc Dohan. “The better we design the facility up front, the more successful it will be.”
Representatives from NewVue and Icon Architecture presented updates on the project and general plans for the building at a Tuesday forum that up to 40 people attended.
Much of the focus was on uses for community areas and artist amenities for the Fitchburg Arts Community, he said.
One of the ideas attendees brought up was the need for a “makerspace,” Dohan said, which NewVue Communities and Icon will consider. This would be a place where people can collaborate on projects.
Some of the artists in attendance signed on to help provide ongoing feedback for the project, he added.
Before the arts community project can go before the Planning Board, it is waiting on state approval of a Smart Growth zoning district to be able to build high-density housing, Dohan said.
Later on, developers will apply for state funding. If all goes well, construction could start sometime next year, he said.
When finished, the public can expect to see 62 apartments, mixed-income housing, artist studios and community space at the Fitchburg Arts Community.
There will also be off-street parking for the building and nearby Lowe Park.
Multiple groups like the Fitchburg Art Museum, which is located next door, and ReImagine North of Main have collaborated with NewVue Communities and the city for the project.
The Fitchburg Arts Community is part of neighborhood revitalization efforts in the North of Main Street area.
In 2016, a four-alarm fire raced through the vacant school building and destroyed most of its roof.
City officials, residents, alumni and former school staff gathered to sign a roof truss that was placed as part of a Topping-Off Ceremony, which kicked off construction.
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