News & Updates

Issue 6: July 16, 2025

This month: The community comes together at MASS MoCA to reimagine downtown North Adams; some big opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs; plus, more about our ADU Community Design Challenge.

Route 2 Overpass Community Visioning Session

Nearly 70 community members showed up under the tent at MASS MoCA’s Courtyard A to hear about the Route 2 Overpass Study, ask questions, and understand the potential impacts of the project on downtown North Adams.

If you missed the event, it’s not too late to get up to speed on the project and share your input! Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Watch the April 5 presentation by Chris Reed of Stoss Landscape Urbanism

2. See before and after renderings of Marshall and Center Streets

3. Add your feedback and comments to the interactive map of downtown North Adams

ADU Community Design Challenge—Save the Date!

Plans are underway to kickoff the call for entries for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs. Whether you’re an architect, student, builder, or design enthusiast, we want your ideas! Subscribe for email updates and save the date for the official launch of the call for entries on August 20 at 3pm. 

The challenge will be guided by an advisory committee made up of residents aged 55 and older, working alongside city officials to set design parameters that align with zoning and building code requirements. The top three winning designs will receive a commission and be made publicly available, free of charge. These open-source designs will empower homeowners with accessible plans and clear guidance, removing barriers to ADU construction and simplifying what is often an overwhelming process.

The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. To learn more, visit AARP.org/Livable. 

Questions? Contact adu@northadamspartnership.org

North Adams Moves to Sell Historic Church Street Mansions

North Adams has hired Bishop West Real Estate to manage the sale of two historic, city-owned Queen Anne mansions at 116 and 124 Church Street, plus a third property and vacant lot. The move follows a new Massachusetts law requiring municipalities to use realtors—rather than public auctions—for tax-title property sales, in line with a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. The city condemned the buildings in 2017 due to disrepair and safety concerns, taking legal possession in early 2025.

Interested in learning more? Contact Pam Tworig at Bishop West for inquiries.

Request for Proposals: North Adams Seeks a Restauranteur

Are you a restauranteur looking for the perfect space? The city is inviting proposals to lease space and establish a restaurant at the airport, located next to the airport’s administration building. Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals for the office space and restaurant by 1 p.m. on August 6. While previous attempts to lease the approximately 2,000-square-foot space with runway views have not succeeded, the city remains committed to finding the right fit for this opportunity.

Share your updates!

If you have an update about a development project in North Adams or you are involved with an initiative helping to grow North Adams, we’d love to share it in our next monthly newsletter! Submit by clicking on the button below.