When commercial real estate firm R.J. Kelly purchased Charlestown Rehearsal Studios in 2022, many of the building’s tenants began to sweat.
With initial plans to repurpose 50 Terminal St. into a self-storage facility, area musicians feared they would lose their practice spaces — an already tough-to-find commodity in Boston and the surrounding cities. Their concerns triggered a years-long effort to preserve the rehearsal studios, with involvement from Boston City Councilors, the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition, and the Charlestown Rehearsal Studios Tenants Association.
As of this week (November 19), those efforts have officially secured the preservation of the studio and its 95 rehearsal spaces. R.J. Kelly has agreed to keep Charlestown Rehearsal Studios in operation, effectively preventing the displacement of 500-plus local musicians. The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and Department of Inspectional Service has also assisted R.J. Kelly in obtaining the proper permits to maintain the space as a music rehearsal location.
“As we began our extensive renovation plan of the property and started communicating with our current CRS musicians, we were surprised to learn that the music rehearsal sector was having space challenges,” says Rick Griffin, partner and chief investment officer at R.J. Kelly. “We are very pleased that we can provide this needed space and are extremely thankful to the City staff, Boston Fire Department, and CRS Tenant’s Association for working through several challenges and allowing music rehearsal to continue in Charlestown.”
The mayor has also chimed in.
“Arts and culture can transcend language and generational divides to connect us through our shared humanity, so Boston’s artists and creatives serve a critical role in making our city a home for everyone,” says Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful for R.J. Kelly and their work to support our community’s musicians and the Charlestown Rehearsal Studios as an important creative home for the arts.”