The Boston Planning and Development Agency has given the green light for the relocation of Harvard's American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) from its current location to Allston. This move is set to bring a significant boost to Allston's arts scene and create new opportunities for the theater community. Let's delve into the approved plans and discover what this means for the future of A.R.T. and the local community.
The Approved Relocation Plan
Learn about the details of the approved plan to relocate Harvard's American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) to Allston.
The Boston Planning and Development Agency has unanimously approved the relocation of Harvard's American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) from its current location on Brattle Street to Allston. This exciting development comes after careful consideration and planning.
The new theater will be situated at 175 North Harvard St., adjacent to Trader Joe's and Harvard's Science and Engineering Complex. It will feature two performance venues, rehearsal spaces, instructional areas, and outdoor event spaces. The goal is to create a modern and adaptable theater facility that meets the needs of the A.R.T. and the theater community.
Construction is expected to commence next year, with the theater opening its doors to the public in 2026. This relocation plan marks a significant milestone for the A.R.T. and sets the stage for a vibrant arts scene in Allston.
The Need for a New Site
Discover why the A.R.T. leadership emphasized the necessity of finding a new location for the theater.
During a hearing on the project, A.R.T. Executive Director Kelvin Dinkins Jr. highlighted the limitations of the current site, the Loeb Drama Center. He explained that the center was not designed to support a boundary-breaking regional theater.
The lack of rehearsal space, storage, and advanced technology in the current building hinders the A.R.T.'s ability to produce ambitious productions. Accessibility is also a concern, as the building does not have an elevator.
The new theater in Allston aims to address these challenges and provide a state-of-the-art facility that supports the A.R.T.'s artistic vision and fosters innovation in the theater industry.
Community Benefits and Concerns
Explore the impact of the A.R.T. relocation on the local community and the concerns raised by residents.
Local residents and members of the Harvard-Allston Task Force expressed excitement about the arrival of the A.R.T. and its potential to promote the arts on campus. They believe that the new theater will enhance the cultural offerings in the area and become a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
However, concerns were raised about the size of the building for Harvard affiliate housing and its potential impact on the primary green space in Allston, Smith Field. The task force urged Harvard to update its community benefits for the project, considering the changes in the development since the benefits were negotiated a decade ago.
Despite these concerns, Harvard's Executive Vice President, Meredith L. Weenick, expressed the university's enthusiasm for creating significant new housing that could alleviate pressure on the local housing market.
The Future of A.R.T. in Allston
Discover the vision for the new A.R.T. facility and its potential impact on the local and international theater scene.
The new A.R.T. facility in Allston is not just a theater but a model for the next generation of cultural architecture. A.R.T. Executive Director Kelvin Dinkins Jr. envisions it as a fixture among the city's cultural offerings, attracting theater enthusiasts from around the world.
The state-of-the-art design, intentional architecture, and adaptable workspaces will create an environment that fosters creativity and pushes the boundaries of theater. It will serve as both an international destination and a local hangout, nurturing the vibrant arts scene in Allston.