Politics & Government

Framingham Sells Maynard Building to Danforth Art for $1.5 Million

Starting February 1, Danforth Art will provide all Town of Framingham residents with discounted memberships, as well as free admission to the galleries on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.

Town Manager Robert Halpin, Framingham Selectmen, Danforth Art Director Katherine French and the Trustees of Danforth Art, signed the final closing documents today, Jan. 23 for the sale of the historic Jonathan Maynard Building to the museum and art school.

Framingham Selectmen unanimously approved the sale of the Jonathan Maynard building at 14 vernon St., in February of 2013 for $1 million and $500,000 in community services. Final approval of the sale was granted by Framingham Town Meeting in May 2013.

Under the agreement, the Museum will honor the town’s lease of space to Framingham State University through 2015, and the Town of Framingham will be granted a 75-year right of first refusal on any future sale of the building.
 
Starting February 1, Danforth Art will provide all Town of Framingham residents with discounted memberships, as well as free admission to the galleries on Saturday mornings from 10  a.m. to noon.
 
Danforth Art invites Framingham families with children of all ages to Drop Into Art on Sunday, February 2 from 2 to 4 pm for art-making and gallery activities.
 
Danforth Art will continue to provide needs-based scholarships for studio art classes, educational programs for Framingham Public Schools, as well as other community-based programs. The Town of Framingham will partner with 
Danforth Art to promote these community benefits widely to Framingham residents. 

“This is a wonderful moment for the Town, the Museum and the Framingham community. It represents the power of partnerships between private and public organizations. This sale is not only a wonderful reuse of an historic building; it secures the future of Danforth Art as Framingham's art museum and school," said Framingham Selectman Laurie Lee. "It also supports the creation of a cultural district in the Historic Centre Common and will provide many cultural and educational opportunities for Framingham residents and schools at discounted or no cost." 

“We are in the early planning stages now so that we may soon take full advantage of the marvelous opportunity that the purchase of the Maynard building represents for Danforth Art,” said French, Executive Director of 
Danforth Art, MuseumSchool. “This purchase provides Danforth Art with a viable long-term home for what is a vibrant and thriving arts education center.” 

“Framingham State University looks forward to building upon its existing collaborations with Danforth Art that this move will provide,” said Dale Hamel, Executive Vice President of Administration, Finance and Information at 
Framingham State University. 

Town Manager Halpin said "In addition to the financial benefits of this sale, the conveyance of the Maynard Building to the Trustees preserves a surplus, yet historic building, and places it in the hands of a much valued cultural 
organization. Danforth Art Museum will be a welcome addition to this historic area.” 

Established as a grass roots organization in 1975 by a committed group of 
community activists, business owners, educators and artists, Danforth Art provides exhibitions and education programs that engage, inspire and transform the lives of children and adults. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here