Surplus Public Property

Over the years one of the best sources for artists' space has been surplus public schools. These buildings are usually sold through a public disposition process prior to which a city agency involved will issue a request for proposals; you can obtain a developer’s kit from the city which outlines the requirements for submitting a proposal and the criteria for the selection of a developer.

If you find a property which you think might be good for artist space, you should find out its status from the appropriate city agency and lobby for the use of the building to be artist space (ideally prior to the request for proposals). In disposing of surplus properties, many communities are not only concerned about maximizing profits from the resale of the property, but also would like these projects to serve a public purpose. A case can be made for artists' studio space or live and workspace as a benefit to the quality of life of a community, as it will both create affordable housing and integrate artists into the community, two great revitalization tools. Don’t underestimate the amount of time and effort it will take to obtain surplus public properties. Successful acquisition of such property will requires decision making and therefore effective partnership with both people in the neighborhoods and at the political level. Vying for surplus public property is a long-term commitment, and each step must be given special attention. Don’t forget: there is surplus public land that becomes available as well, although ground-up constructions cost might make this prohibitively expensive.

In addition to attending town and city hall meetings and local governments, you should contact the municipal community development or planning departments, as well as local school departments.

In the City of Boston there are several places you can look for potential sites of commercial or industrial buildings:

Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) has several different lists summarized on this page.

More Specific DND Pages:

Department of Neighborhood Development’s requests for proposals list.

DND’s list of available properties - buildings and land which are city owned and for sale

DND's list of City-owned commercial property search.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority list of land for sale.