Malden Center for Arts & Culture Archives

Future of Malden Center for Arts and Culture uncertain two years after Courthouse acquisition

November 12, 2024 Maria Yulikova 1

By Maria Yulikova After the city acquired the Malden District Courthouse in 2022, excitement brewed among government officials and residents alike about a potential conversion of the historic building at 89 Summer St. into the Malden Center for Arts and Culture. The Mayor’s office formed an Advisory Committee to develop a detailed proposal laying out finances, renovations and how spaces should be used. In July 2022, Malden authorities published the comprehensive Concept Plan. A Feasibility Study for the proposed Malden Center for Arts & Culture was published in September 2023. However, things have been at a standstill ever since. “We had a very tough budget year,” said Amanda Linehan, Malden Ward 3 City Councillor. “But we stay optimistic about this project. We don’t want to see it frozen anymore and our residents offer their expertise on fundraising.” Linehan says that State Representative Paul Donato has put money into the state budget for the rehab but what is needed is actually much higher. Linehan said that she was “surprised” to learn how extensive the project would […]

Malden aims to purchase District Court Building to transform into the Malden Center for Arts and Culture.

April 13, 2021 Saliha Bayrak 0

By Saliha Bayrak An imposing but empty brick building stands on the western side of Malden — abandoned after being deemed unfit to serve its original purpose as a courthouse. Now, city officials hope to turn the nearly 100-year-old building into a center that would house Malden’s lively arts and culture scene. The city of Malden is aiming to purchase the former Malden District Court building and transform it into what would be known as the Malden Center for Arts & Culture. Members of local government and Malden artists say that a center dedicated to arts and culture would be a much-needed benefit to the city. “We knew that there was this kind of nebulous cluster of artists that just needed a point to coalesce around. And that’s why we’ve been looking for an art center,” said Kevin Duffy, Malden strategy and business development officer. The idea was initiated by Mayor Gary Christenson; Duffy is playing a critical role in the first stages of this initiative — acquiring the building. Duffy worked with Christenson to […]