Senator Eldridge Announces Passage of Hudson Armory Home Rule Petition by Senate
Bill authorizing sale of Hudson Armory to Town of Hudson would be accompanied by $230,000 state budget earmark to purchase 1910 armory
Hudson, MA - State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) is pleased to announce that the State Senate has passed S. 2729, an Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land to the town of Hudson. The bill authorizes the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to sell the Hudson Armory to the town of Hudson. This castle-like building, built in 1910, sits on the banks of the Assabet River. The two-story Armory currently sits vacant, after most recently being used by the Massachusetts State Police.Many decades ago, many Hudson dinner banquets and celebrations were held at the Hudson Armory.
Seeking to make use of this space, a dedicated group of local citizens formed a non-profit organization, the Hudson Cultural Alliance. The Hudson Cultural Alliance has worked diligently to transform this former military installation into an arts center.
The Arts Center project is the capstone of Hudson’s downtown revitalization and will serve as both the hub of Hudson’s Cultural District and an ideal jumping-off point for the newly renovated South Street, the proposed Riverwalk, and the shops and restaurants in and around Wood Square.
“I’m pleased to partner with Rep. Kate Hogan to guide this Home Rule petition through the Legislature, and I’m proud that it has now passed the State Senate,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Transforming the Hudson Armory into a Community Performing Arts Center is, in my opinion, the next stage for Hudson’s renaissance, which now attracts residents from across Metrowest, to enjoy all that Hudson has to offer. I’m grateful for the vision of the Hudson Cultural Alliance, the Hudson Business Improvement District, and of course Hudson town officials.”
In addition to securing Senate passage of this important legislation, to help this project move forward, Senator Eldridge has secured a total of $280,000 in state funds for the arts center. First, Senator Eldridge secured $230,000 in funds for Hudson to purchase the armory through a local earmark in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Second, Senator Eldridge secured $50,000 for planning, construction, renovation, property management and maintenance work at the Hudson Armory through a supplemental appropriation law. These funds are critical to Hudson’s economic development.
The town of Hudson has been an active partner in this effort. Scott Duplisea, Chair of the Hudson Select Board, stated, on behalf of the Select Board, “I wish to extend my gratitude to Senator Eldridge and Representative Hogan for their advocacy and leadership in the development of legislation authorizing the conveyance of the Armory to the Town of Hudson. The Board looks forward to partnering with the Hudson Cultural Alliance in the strategic redevelopment of this historic building for a community arts center in our downtown.”
Kristina Johnson, Hudson’s Director of Planning & Community Development, added, “the development of a performance arts center at the historic armory is vital for continuing Downtown Hudson’s economic and cultural renaissance. An investment in the arts is an investment in the community and the local economy, and we are grateful to Senator Eldridge's efforts to acquire an earmark so that the Town and the Business Improvement District can create a seamless integration of arts and culture into the local economy.”
Finally, this project would not have happened without the passionate advocacy of the Hudson Cultural Alliance. Tom Desmond, the Hudson Cultural Alliance’s President and Founder stated, “This funding allows the Hudson Cultural Alliance to take a major step forward with our project by actually acquiring the Armory. Purchasing and renovating this iconic building has been our long term goal and Senator Eldridge’s assistance has made the purchase a reality. The Hudson Cultural Alliance is particularly grateful for the Senator’s ongoing support.”
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