Open House Draws Visitors and Ideas

DCR’s Patrice Kish, and neighbors Eric and Lauren Spengler and Marty Blatt, discuss next uses for the powder magazine.

About 50 adults, children and dogs stopped by the Powder Magazine to look inside and imagine what its next use might be on Saturday, despite the weather. Among the ideas shared for the space were:

Restaurant—seasonal—looking out onto an improved tot lot, with ice cream and cold drinks

Boathouse—kayaks, canoes, rowboats and sailboats (whatever floats!)

Community art space (performances, gallery and gardens)

Art studio

Indoor/outdoor exercise and fitness and equipment rentals for fields

Many thanks to DCR’s Patrice Kish for organizing this event and to Marilyn Wellons and Nina Cohen for being there to share the story of the building and site.

Remember to come to the Morse School (40 Granite St.) auditorium this Thursday, May 16 at 6:30pm for the presentation of the social and architectural history of the 1818 powder magazine and discussion of its next use. Learn about the rich history of the building and site and share your thoughts for it!

Note: Our open house was part of DCR’s celebration of Preservation Month. Go to www.mass.gov/dcr to read about other events being held all over the State! This year’s theme is “Stories in Stone.”