FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 3/25/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Contractor Begins Work on Framingham Community Center Project
FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham has hired JJ Cardosi Inc.as a contractor to secure the windows and repair the roof at the former Marian High School, marking the next major phase of its transformation into a city-wide community center.
This project is part of Mayor Charlie Sisitsky's vision to repurpose the historic property into a vibrant hub that will serve residents across the community from age 3 to 103.
The City used $3.35 million in federal ARPA funds to purchase the 100,000 former Catholic high school in the fall of 2023.
The City used another $1.7 million in federal funds was allocated to demolish the former convent on the site to create additional parking.
The City is using $6,488,500 million in ARPA funds to secure the building, by installing new windows, repair masonry, and install a new roof.
"The renovation of the former Marian High School represents a tremendous opportunity for the City of Framingham," said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. "We are not only preserving an important piece of our community’s history, but we are also creating a multi-generational space where residents of all ages can come together to learn, engage, and grow."
In addition to the ongoing renovation efforts, the City of Framingham applied for $5 million in congressional direct spending through Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s office to fund the installation of two ADA-compliant elevators in the four-story building, which was originally constructed in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the funding request was not included in the recent appropriations bill passed in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.
The City also applied for a $12 million federal earmark from Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Edward Markey’s offices for Fiscal Year 2025. However, that request stalled in committee.
Despite these setbacks, the City remains committed to moving forward with the project and will refile for a $5 million federal earmark from Minority Whip Katherine Clark's office for the ADA-compliant elevators.
Additionally, the City plans to request approximately $12 million in Fiscal Year 2026 earmarks from the Senators for the installation of an energy-efficient HVAC system and essential building upgrades, including plumbing, electrical, and accessibility improvements to make the building more energy-efficient and fully ADA-compliant.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that this building not only meets the needs of our current residents but is also a model for sustainability and accessibility for generations to come," said Michael Tusino, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Framingham. "These upgrades will provide long-term value to our community and create a space that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or ability."
A sign announcing the ongoing renovations went up last week, serving as a visible reminder of the progress being made toward transforming this important building into a vital community resource.
The City has an architectural firm under contract at a cost of $2.8 million.
Starting next week, the City will invite the community to participate in a survey to gather input on the vision for the community center.
The Community center needs survey will remain open through September 1, 2025.
The survey results will be shared with the Mayor’s Community Center Advisory Committee and the architect in the fall of 2025 to guide the creation of spaces that effectively address the needs of the community.
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