There will be 12 brand new homes for sale within the former Maplewood School, renamed the “Maplewood School Residences” at 120 Maplewood Avenue. Open houses began last week, offering sneak peek access and sales for buyers eager to preview the thoughtful and modern layouts designed into this beautiful and historic Gloucester building. The Maplewood School Residences project has reached the exciting studs out stage for its interior raw spaces. A model unit **still under construction** was made available for walk through.
The school was built in 1899. Here are some BEFORE exterior photographs from 2016 when the building was on the market and from 2018 (when demo and major structural upgrades commenced) compared with AFTER photographs from February and September 2020.
BEFORE | AFTER
a few more BEFORE exterior and interior photographs
AFTER photographs interior and exterior details from 2020
– construction in progress
Original architectural features were restored and incorporated throughout. The space plans and configurations are stunning and creative. And big! The smallest two bedroom unit is a large and airy 1600 sf’. Every unit in the Maplewood School residences features classic design elements like generous entries that will make it a pleasure to come home to. How exciting to see this long term project come to life!
Cranes will be on site as early next week to facilitate delivery of granite counter tops and hardwood flooring for the upper floors. Some of the listings include extra outdoor space balconies.
The visionary architect Kirk Noyes has developed 45+ historic buildings in multiple states, and several architectural treasures right here in downtown Gloucester, like Central Grammar on Dale Avenue and the Wesley Condos on Prospect Street.
The Gloucester Daily Times published a release by Lillian Shapiro about this special project. Read it here
“When we first looked at this building, we were immediately struck by its great condition…What we have done is create an accurate reproduction of the 1899 schoolhouse by doing things like reinventing the cornice detailing around the building, re-configuring old classrooms, and refurbishing the original staircase.”
The South Shore Art Center press release for September/October 2020 exhibition:
From North Shore to South Shore…Gloucester Comes to Cohasset
Featuring three artists: COCO BERKMAN, PIA JUHL, JUNI VANDYKE
Cape Ann artist printmaker Coco Berkman creates images that delight her and hopefully others through the process of linoleum printmaking. Inspired by literature, the natural world, and the free play inherent in drawing, Berkman uses sharp Japanese tools to carve images into sheets of linoleum and then prints them one color at a time over several months to complete an edition. A member of the Boston Printmakers, Berkman’s work is represented by 13 Forest Galleryin Arlington and The Square Circle Gallery in Rockport.
Pia Juhl, is well known for her light filled paintings depicting quarries and giant rock formations indigenous to her surroundings. She has had numerous exhibitions in Europe and on Cape Ann including Jane Deering Gallery.
Juni VanDyke will exhibit paintings related to her connection with Gloucester. “The Cape Ann landscape is a subliminal force directing my art and tethering me to a love of color and the infinite configurations of abstraction. Traveling to my work in Gloucester, I cross over the elevated Annisquam Bridge where below the sea is an ever changing miracle of patterns and light holding promise for later.” VanDyke’s work is held in the permanent collection of Cape Ann Museum. Her work is represented by Jane Deering Gallery, and throughout the US by Room and Board, Inc.
Jane Deering Gallery presents Deborah Brown solo show September 5 – 20, 2020 Saturdays & Sundays 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. 19 Pleasant Street . Gloucester
Ephemerata | a timeline of creation and change works by Deborah Brown
The highly textural paintings (12×12 and 8×8) have occupied my impulsive hands for several years (2008-2020). What started as an inquisitive exploration of materials and depth became the challenge of transforming a flat surface into a three-dimensional abyss. An additional challenge was to transform the restrictive visual enclosure of the square to a dynamic metamorphic journey. Primal materials such as earth pigments, charcoal and volcanic ash reiterate the grit of progression, stasis and ultimate demise. — Deborah Brown
Deborah Brown studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and has exhibited her work throughout the United States. She is intensely private so you will not unearth her presence on Social Media; not a philistine, just a hermit. Having spent considerable time in Alaska, she now continues her art practice in her recently adopted home of Gloucester MA.
I see my work as visceral and evocative, an embedded imprint on the limbic brain, relentlessly touched, molded, scraped and scattered with earthbound dust. And with a certain threatening charm to engage and provoke the viewer.
Deborah Brown
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“August 26, 2020 commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. This historic anniversary of suffrage was the perfect time to celebrate our Massachusetts Foremothers, more than 70 amazing women whose contributions to the Commonwealth, the nation and the world are unparalleled and who are recognized as “Trailblazers” in their fields. Click here to learn about the stories of these remarkable women and their ties to Massachusetts, The Woman Suffrage Movement, commemorative sculptures and statues at the Massachusetts State House, the significance of the Sunflower, the Colors of Suffrage and much more!“
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Reopening plans for museums are underway. Cape Ann Museum reopening plans feature a special extra bonus: the museum’s expansion, “Cape Ann Museum Green”, will be revealed!
Image: Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865), The Western Shore with Norman’s Woe, 1862. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA. Gift of Isabel Babson Lane, 1946 [1147.c]
The Cape Ann Museum is preparing to re-open its main campus at 27 Pleasant Street to the public on Oct. 1 with new safety precautions for social distancing, reduced capacity, touch-less doors, increased cleaning, and other measures that adhere to Gov. Baker’s Phase 3 re-opening plan and to protect the public while enjoying the Museum’s renowned art and maritime collections.
Museum members will be invited to return to the Pleasant Street campus on Sept. 24, and the Museum’s new Cape Ann Museum Green off Grant Circle will open to the public on Sept. 17 including the contemporary archival collections storage and public exhibition space, the Janet & William Ellery James Center.
At the new Cape Ann Museum Green, visitors will see a selection of images from The Porch-Rait Project, photographs of Gloucester families taken early in the COVID 19 pandemic as a benefit to The Open Door. Tickets for both sites may be reserved at www.camuseum.eventbrite.com.
“We are overjoyed to announce that we can re-open with the necessary precautions required by the state,” said Museum Director Oliver Barker. “As the global pandemic hit in March, we closed our doors to protect the staff and public. Since then, I think we have all been feeling the need to return to a place of inspiration, to see art that reminds us of the beautiful places in which we live, and to feel a sense of normalcy again by visiting the Museum and our new Cape Ann Museum Green campus.”
When visitors return to Pleasant Street on Oct. 1, they will see a newly re-installed and updated Lane Gallery, showcasing the work of marine artist Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865). They will also be able to view three special exhibitions: Tom and T.M. Nicholas: A Father and Son’s Journey in Paint, which has been extended through November 1; Odds Were Against Me, featuring works by 20th century sculptors, Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington and Katharine Lane Weems, on view through January 3, 2021; and Our Souls are by Nature Equal to Yours, an exhibit exploring the life of early feminist writer Judith Sargent Murray, on view through November 8.
Here are some of the precautionary measures that the Museum will be taking when it re-opens:
The Museum will have limited opening hours from Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for ample cleaning. The time slot of 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be reserved for high risk populations to visit.
The Museum will only allow 7 percent occupancy in the galleries. There will be no public access to the Auditorium, Activity Center, or Davis House until further notice.
Touring the Sawyer Free Library grounds with Linda Bosselman on the occasion of her last day at work*, we receive a garden pep talk peppered with small gestures and comforting words. We almost forget that it’s her last day. Isn’t that typical of time spent with Linda? Her professional and unassuming smarts earned the trust of her colleagues, and make it a joy to learn from her experiences. An avid local history buff, photographer and community volunteer, she’ll be busy as ever. Still, it’s a big change with her having worked at Sawyer Free for the past three decades.
*Like other milestones during the pandemic, retirement (early) celebrations are altered.
happy retirement MESSAGES FOR LINDA –
Christy Rosso, Sawyer Free Library Director of Children’s Services, writes:
We have so many happy memories together, laughing over a huge display we had to do in a hurry — you frantically ironing hundreds of yards of blue fabric, me looping and winding it around City Hall for what seemed like days. It emerged as a beautiful and thoughtful addition to the event. Mischief managed. We designed many more wonderful displays and programs together, gardened, crafted, photographed, and grew a wonderful library and book collection together for our city’s children and families. Thank you so much for all of that. You have been a wonderful part of this library for 29 years. We are warmly appreciative for everything. We wish you happiness and more adventures ahead as you retire. Always,
Through her 29 years of service to the library, Linda has provided support in so many different areas; managing and circulating the collections, organizing and photographing programs, creating beautiful displays and brochures and answering every possible question about all things Gloucester. The list is endless. We love her and will miss her dearly but she has promised to fill in at the library every once in a while and that’s a comfort to us.
September 3, 1991- how lucky were we that day to have Linda Bosselman start working at Sawyer Free Library? She’s worked upstairs and downstairs, with adult’s and children’s services, with different co-workers and directors, for three decades. Helping generations of patrons. I mean it when I’m saying congratulations and thanks. Also all I really want to say is, “No, don’t leave!”
Justine Vitale, Librarian, Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library
“These are beach tree saplings, not weeds. People can nurture descendants from this great gorgeous tree!”
“Volunteers could weed a little in between the landscaping crews; just toss under the hedge until they come through. And share their expertise helping point out weeds from the special native plants.”
“In the winter, I love to photograph the library from Middle Street with City Hall in the background. I climb up on the (YMCA) wall across the street, right there.”
“The tomatoes need to be picked soon or they’ll split.”
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The end of an era. Are you hearing that often lately? I am. A bit too many ends of eras.
Yesterday was a rainy day. My husband realized that his rubber rain boots have a puncture that lets water in the foot-bed. He said he thought he needed new boots. I said he should take them to Mr. Mondello first, because he would most likely find a way to plug the leak with melted rubber and extend the life of the boots for at least one more Autumn. And for just a few bucks.
Today a friend texted me news that due to Covid-19 Mr. Mondello took an early retirement at 93! A proud veteran, Mr. M. was always eager to share his background with customers at his cobbler shop. He has an unassuming sense of humor and the solid presence that 90 plus years of a productive life gives a person regardless of physical strength or frailty. Mr. M. looked like a solid man behind the counter. After a little chat he would ask for a very brief description of what was wrong with your shoes:
I need to stretch them.
I need the soles re-glued.
I need more holes on the straps.
Check!
Check!
Check!
I need rain boots plugged…no Mr. Mondello’s shop. No check. No apprentice to take over the shop, I bet. That’s too bad. One more win for the vortex of throw away culture we get swept into.
I wish Mr. Mondello the best and healthiest of retirement. He has earned it. A town needs a cobbler. We had as good as they come.
Cruz Ferreras thanks and best wishes in retirement for Mr. Mondello September 2020
Message and all photographs this post by Cruz Ferreras. The photographs were taken in July 2018.
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The end of an era. Are you hearing that often lately? I am. A bit too many ends of eras.
Yesterday was a rainy day. My husband realized that his rubber rain boots have a puncture that lets water in the foot-bed. He said he thought he needed new boots. I said he should take them to Mr. Mondello first, because he would most likely find a way to plug the leak with melted rubber and extend the life of the boots for at least one more Autumn. And for just a few bucks.
Today a friend texted me news that due to Covid-19 Mr. Mondello took an early retirement at 93! A proud veteran, Mr. M. was always eager to share his background with customers at his cobbler shop. He has an unassuming sense of humor and the solid presence that 90 plus years of a productive life gives a person regardless of physical strength or frailty. Mr. M. looked like a solid man behind the counter. After a little chat he would ask for a very brief description of what was wrong with your shoes:
I need to stretch them.
I need the soles re-glued.
I need more holes on the straps.
Check!
Check!
Check!
I need rain boots plugged…no Mr. Mondello’s shop. No check. No apprentice to take over the shop, I bet. That’s too bad. One more win for the vortex of throw away culture we get swept into.
I wish Mr. Mondello the best and healthiest of retirement. He has earned it. A town needs a cobbler. We had as good as they come.
Cruz Ferreras thanks and best wishes in retirement for Mr. Mondello September 2020
Message and all photographs this post by Cruz Ferreras. The photographs were taken in July 2018.
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What a difference a month makes! Views surrounding new construction of Harbor Village apartments on 206 Main Street Gloucester, Mass. late August 2020.
before, view past Cameron’s demo back in January 2020 with to Elm Street buildings and City Hall Tower in background.
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Clearing lots 41 and 43 Cliff Road between Long Beach and Good Harbor Beach, across from the development (formerly Amelia’s and Olivia’s at the corner of Witham and Thatcher Roads).
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Jane Deering Gallery presents two new exhibitions! Opening Saturday September 5th is Ephemerata | a timeline of creation, a timeline of change. Works by Cape Ann artist Deborah Brown explore the shared juxtaposition of intent and materials. Brown studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and exhibits nationally. This exhibition will be at 19 Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester, adjacent to the Cape Ann Museum. Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1:00-3:00. Works can be viewed at janedeeringgallery.com
Deb Brown Constellations Under the Sea 2007 Mixed media 7×8 inches
Also on view from Friday September 4th in the SHED @ 18 Arlington Street, Annisquam is Late Summer Selection | New Painting by Adin Murray. Murray continues his superb Horizon series, serene and luscious oils on canvas. Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12noon-3:00pm. And always by appointment at either location. 917-902-4359. Works can be viewed at janedeeringgallery.com
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photo caption: Cape Ann Museum Green campus with a view from the new12,000 square foot Janet & William Ellery James Center out to the campus which includes three historic buildings (from right to left) the White Ellery House (1710), an adjacent Barn (c. 1740), and the Babson-Alling House (c.1740), all located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester. Photo by Steve Rosenthal, 2020.
NEWS FROM CAPE ANN MUSEUM:
Cape Ann Museum Green campus taking shape with landscaping, solar panels, and final touches
GLOUCESTER, MASS. (August 2020) – Preparations for Cape Ann Museum Green, the Museum’s new campus off Grant Circle and Route 128 in Gloucester, have continued over the summer with further grass and new trees planted as part of an overall landscape design that will aesthetically combine three historic buildings on the property with a new contemporary archival collections storage and public exhibition space called the Janet & William Ellery James Center.
Designed to dramatically expand the Museum’s community, contemporary art and educational offerings, the almost four-acre campus is home to the three historic structures, the White Ellery House (1710), an adjacent Barn (c. 1740), and the Babson-Alling House (c.1740), all located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester. The new 12,000-square foot James Center includes 2,000 square feet of flexible exhibition and community programming space designed to reach broader audiences with new exhibits and public programs. The James Center was built to LEED Platinum standards and was designed by Boston-based designLAB. Integral to the building’s environmental footprint is the installation later this year of a 173KW Solar Array system on the building’s roof, and with recent city approval temporary art banners are now planned for the building’s Route 128 facing exterior.
“It has been thrilling to watch Cape Ann Museum Green evolve over the, last year” said Oliver Barker, the Museum’s Director. “This unique location, visible at the entrance to Cape Ann, offers a historic connection from the 1700s until today. The Museum’s mission is to celebrate our rich, diverse and deep history here on Cape Ann while also continually discovering new works by contemporary artists. This property symbolically brings all of that together in one place as the Gateway to Cape Ann.”
This pivotal Museum initiative has been in development since 2017 and was led by a Cape Ann Museum Green Committee chaired by William (Wilber) James. “The Museum is indebted to Wilber and his Committee, which includes Sam Holdsworth, Norm Chambers, John Cunningham, Stephanie Benenson, Dick Carlson and Suzi Natti, with encouragement and support from Board Chair Charles Esdaile, for their leadership, vision and commitment to creating a new cultural experience for our community and for visitors to Cape Ann,” Barker said.
“We are but threads in the fabric of life, building on the efforts of those who came before us and setting the stage for future generations” said Wilber James. “This property builds on the vision of our forebears and we invite others to join the Cape Ann Museum today in setting the stage for the future as a leading regional museum of American art that is relevant and engages our community.”
The James Center will provide critical state-of-the-art storage for the Museum’s expanding collections as well as the community space for education and art installations. Landscaping has been progressing since spring with the planting of dozens of indigenous trees, shrubs, and flowers alongside the campus’s notable fieldstone wall constructed from stones found throughout the property. A sculpture park at the campus is envisioned for the future.
photo caption: (Left) Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865), Babson and Ellery Houses, Gloucester, 1863, oil on canvas, Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA, gift of Roger W. Babson, 1937 [779.02] (Right) Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865), The Babson Meadows at Riverdale, 1863, oil on canvas, Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA, gift of Roger W. Babson, 1937 [779.03].
The bucolic Cape Ann Museum Green property was the subject of three Fitz Henry Lane paintings in 1863, two of which are now at the Cape Ann Museum. View of the Babson and Ellery Houses, Gloucester, shows the Route 128 side of the property, while The Babson Meadows at Riverdale, looking from the rear of the Babson-Alling House, with its meticulously rendered field stone wall and gate provided the framework on which the CAM Green perimeter field stone wall and new entry gates, all designed and crafted by local Gloucester artisans, were recently installed to recall that historic time..
Due to the pandemic, the official opening of Cape Ann Museum Green has been postponed until June 2021, but news about opportunities for the public to see the campus in socially distant appropriate ways starting in mid-September is forthcoming.
The creation of the Cape Ann Museum Green campus is a critical component of the Museum’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and the commitment to enhance facilities by providing space for current holdings and anticipating future strategic collection growth in a sophisticated climate-controlled and highly secure building.
Good Morning Gloucester 