6/15/2026 Update:
Happy June, neighbors!
Current work is focused on interior mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation, completion of wall framing, continued masonry restoration, and preparation for upcoming finish work throughout the building.
Some upcoming activities that may be noticeable to neighbors include:
• Mid-June: Roofing and exterior restoration activities will increase. A crane will be used for several material lifts to the roof, including roofing materials and rooftop equipment supports. A concrete pump truck will also be used to place concrete on the new elevator headhouse roof. These operations may require temporary traffic controls and brief interruptions to pedestrian routes near the site.
• June: Exterior masonry restoration will continue both the east and west sides of the building, including mortar joint repairs and replacement of damaged brick. Work on the west elevation will begin utilizing a scissor lift. Neighbors may continue to see scaffolding, lifts, workers on the façade, and intermittent grinding or chipping noise during daytime hours.
• June: Street work related to new underground utility connections will remain ongoing. Pedestrian traffic will continue to be rerouted to the opposite side of the street for safety purposes. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through the summer.
• June through Early July: Work will continue within the building’s stairwells, elevator shaft, and utility risers as crews complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and framing installations throughout the structure. Most of this activity will be contained within the building and should have minimal impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
• Late June through July: Interior finish work will begin on multiple floors, including wall finishing, ceiling installation, lighting and device installation, and wood floor restoration. Most of this work will occur inside the building.
As always, we are coordinating activities to minimize disruption to the surrounding community and will continue to provide updates on major milestones.
For any questions, please contact Ryan Gleysteen at CSL Consulting <rgleysteen@csl-consulting.com>
Happy June, neighbors!
Current work is focused on interior mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation, completion of wall framing, continued masonry restoration, and preparation for upcoming finish work throughout the building.
Some upcoming activities that may be noticeable to neighbors include:
• Mid-June: Roofing and exterior restoration activities will increase. A crane will be used for several material lifts to the roof, including roofing materials and rooftop equipment supports. A concrete pump truck will also be used to place concrete on the new elevator headhouse roof. These operations may require temporary traffic controls and brief interruptions to pedestrian routes near the site.
• June: Exterior masonry restoration will continue both the east and west sides of the building, including mortar joint repairs and replacement of damaged brick. Work on the west elevation will begin utilizing a scissor lift. Neighbors may continue to see scaffolding, lifts, workers on the façade, and intermittent grinding or chipping noise during daytime hours.
• June: Street work related to new underground utility connections will remain ongoing. Pedestrian traffic will continue to be rerouted to the opposite side of the street for safety purposes. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through the summer.
• June through Early July: Work will continue within the building’s stairwells, elevator shaft, and utility risers as crews complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and framing installations throughout the structure. Most of this activity will be contained within the building and should have minimal impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
• Late June through July: Interior finish work will begin on multiple floors, including wall finishing, ceiling installation, lighting and device installation, and wood floor restoration. Most of this work will occur inside the building.
As always, we are coordinating activities to minimize disruption to the surrounding community and will continue to provide updates on major milestones.
For any questions, please contact Ryan Gleysteen at CSL Consulting <rgleysteen@csl-consulting.com>
5/15/2026 Update:
Happy May, neighbors!
We hope you are all doing well. We're excited to share latest updates regarding Community Music Center of Boston's facility project! Below is a message from our construction teams!
Current work is focused on interior build-out, basement construction, structural steel installation, and ongoing exterior masonry restoration.
Some upcoming activities that may be noticeable to neighbors include:
• Late May: Roof support steel is scheduled to arrive on site. Installation of the roof dunnage steel, roofing work, and equipment curbs will follow in preparation for future rooftop mechanical units. Larger crane activity for rooftop equipment is currently anticipated later this summer.
• May through Early June: Structural steel installation on Level 1 will continue over the next several weeks. This work may result in periodic material deliveries and increased daytime construction activity.
• May through June: Exterior masonry restoration will continue along the east elevation, including brick rebuilding and mortar joint restoration. Neighbors may continue to see scaffolding, workers on the façade, and intermittent grinding or chipping noise during daytime hours.
• Early June: Street work related to new underground utility connections will begin again. Pedestrian traffic will be temporarily rerouted to the opposite side of the street for safety purposes. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through the summer while underground utility work continues.
• June (anticipated): Exterior restoration activities are expected to begin transitioning to the west elevation, which will require the use of a boom lift. Additional neighborhood notifications will be provided as that work approaches.
• Throughout the Period: Interior framing, drywall, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing installation will continue throughout the building, with much of the activity contained inside the structure.
As always, we are coordinating activities to minimize disruption to the surrounding community and will continue to provide updates on major milestones.
For any questions, please contact Diamente Holloway at CSL Consulting <[email protected]>
Happy May, neighbors!
We hope you are all doing well. We're excited to share latest updates regarding Community Music Center of Boston's facility project! Below is a message from our construction teams!
Current work is focused on interior build-out, basement construction, structural steel installation, and ongoing exterior masonry restoration.
Some upcoming activities that may be noticeable to neighbors include:
• Late May: Roof support steel is scheduled to arrive on site. Installation of the roof dunnage steel, roofing work, and equipment curbs will follow in preparation for future rooftop mechanical units. Larger crane activity for rooftop equipment is currently anticipated later this summer.
• May through Early June: Structural steel installation on Level 1 will continue over the next several weeks. This work may result in periodic material deliveries and increased daytime construction activity.
• May through June: Exterior masonry restoration will continue along the east elevation, including brick rebuilding and mortar joint restoration. Neighbors may continue to see scaffolding, workers on the façade, and intermittent grinding or chipping noise during daytime hours.
• Early June: Street work related to new underground utility connections will begin again. Pedestrian traffic will be temporarily rerouted to the opposite side of the street for safety purposes. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place through the summer while underground utility work continues.
• June (anticipated): Exterior restoration activities are expected to begin transitioning to the west elevation, which will require the use of a boom lift. Additional neighborhood notifications will be provided as that work approaches.
• Throughout the Period: Interior framing, drywall, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing installation will continue throughout the building, with much of the activity contained inside the structure.
As always, we are coordinating activities to minimize disruption to the surrounding community and will continue to provide updates on major milestones.
For any questions, please contact Diamente Holloway at CSL Consulting <[email protected]>
4/14/2026 Update:
April
All work will take place during permitted construction hours. We appreciate your patience as these improvements move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the project team. As a trusted friend and colleague in the neighborhood, your point of contact can be Diamente Holloway <[email protected]>.
April
- Exterior masonry restoration will continue, including brick repairs, mortar restoration, and façade cleaning.
- Neighbors may continue to see scaffolding, workers on the building exterior, and periodic grinding or chipping noise.
- Roof support steel work and related framing will continue as crews complete structural preparations for future rooftop mechanical equipment.
- This may include lifting materials to the roof via crane and short periods of increased site activity.
- Basement stair and foundation work will continue, including masonry wall construction, slab work, and underground utility connections.
- This may result in periodic truck deliveries, concrete activity, and material staging.
- Interior framing, ceilings, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in work will continue across multiple floors.
- Most of this work remains inside the building and should have minimal exterior impact.
All work will take place during permitted construction hours. We appreciate your patience as these improvements move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the project team. As a trusted friend and colleague in the neighborhood, your point of contact can be Diamente Holloway <[email protected]>.
3/16/2026 Update:
Early March
All work will take place during permitted construction hours. We appreciate your patience as these improvements move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the project team. As a trusted friend and colleague in the neighborhood, your point of contact can be Diamente Holloway <[email protected]>.
Early March
- Basement work to continue construction of new foundation elements, including excavation and concrete placements.
- Continue Masonry restoration efforts on the tarped masonry staging along the East elevation of building. Generator use, saws, and pressure washing will result in elevated noise levels during working hours.
- Begin CMU block deliveries and mortar mixing within the site to support interior masonry shaft construction. A telehandler will be used to lift materials into the building throughout the day.
- Installation of a steel support platform on the roof to prepare for future mechanical equipment.
- A crane will be used to lift the steel to the roof, which may result in brief periods of increased noise and visible equipment around the building.
- Exterior brick restoration will begin on the West elevation. A mix of scaffolding and boom lifts will be used to perform this work. Areas of the mural called for restoration work will be affected.
- Finishing of basement excavation and concrete work for foundations and underground utilities.
- Scaffolding and CMU work to construct a new elevator shaft.
- Periodic increases in construction noise during excavation, concrete work, and brick restoration.
- Delivery trucks and construction vehicles accessing the site.
- Scaffolding and workers visible along the East & West side of the building.
- A crane on site in Late March to lift steel to the roof.
- Increase in amount of heavy equipment on site to support masonry work.
All work will take place during permitted construction hours. We appreciate your patience as these improvements move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the project team. As a trusted friend and colleague in the neighborhood, your point of contact can be Diamente Holloway <[email protected]>.
2/13/2026 Update:
Early February
Early March
Mid-February through March
What Neighbors May Notice
All work will take place during permitted construction hours. We appreciate your patience as these improvements move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the project team. As a trusted friend and colleague in the neighborhood, your point of contact can be Diamente Holloway <[email protected]>.
Early February
- Basement work to construct new foundation elements, including excavation and concrete placement.
- Installation of scaffolding along the east side of the building in preparation for exterior brick restoration.
Early March
- Installation of a steel support platform on the roof to prepare for future mechanical equipment.
- A crane will be used to lift the steel to the roof, which may result in brief periods of increased noise and visible equipment around the building.
Mid-February through March
- Continued basement excavation and concrete work for foundations and underground utilities.
- Construction of a new interior stair shaft.
- Exterior brick restoration, including paint removal and mortar repairs, progressing down the east façade.
What Neighbors May Notice
- Periodic increases in construction noise during excavation, concrete work, and brick restoration.
- Delivery trucks and construction vehicles accessing the site.
- Scaffolding and workers visible along the east side of the building.
- A crane on site in early March to lift steel to the roof.
All work will take place during permitted construction hours. We appreciate your patience as these improvements move forward.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the project team. As a trusted friend and colleague in the neighborhood, your point of contact can be Diamente Holloway <[email protected]>.
1/15/2026 Update:
Roof Work and Equipment Installation (Late January)
Basement and Foundation Work (Late January through Mid-February)
Interior Brick Repair (February through March)
General Increase in On-Site Activity
Upcoming Pick Plans
Pick Plan Layout (During 3-5 Intermittent Days)
Roof Work and Equipment Installation (Late January)
- Steel deliveries and installation on the roof to prepare for large mechanical equipment.
- Use of cranes or lifts to move materials to the roof.
- This work may create short periods of elevated noise and visible equipment above the roofline.
Basement and Foundation Work (Late January through Mid-February)
- Excavation work for new foundations and a stairway, which involves digging and removing soil.
- Increased truck traffic for hauling materials in and out of the site.
- Concrete pouring, which typically brings additional trucks and early-day activity.
Interior Brick Repair (February through March)
- Removal of old paint and repair of brick walls inside the building.
- This work can generate noticeable noise from grinding or chipping, though it is primarily contained indoors.
- Work will be conducted in multiple areas of the building over several weeks.
General Increase in On-Site Activity
- As interior construction ramps up, neighbors may notice an increase in the number of workers arriving, more frequent deliveries, and consistent daytime construction noise. Work is expected to remain within normal permitted construction hours.
Upcoming Pick Plans
- A pick plan is a safety and logistics document outlining the lifting of materials – in our case, by crane.
- There will be approximately five intermittent days in between February and May when the team is operating picks. During this period (likely 1 day per pick), no one can be underneath the path of the crane’s boom. Here and on the Commodore Community Impacts page, you can view the path of the crane. Formal pick plans will be available closer to the date.
Pick Plan Layout (During 3-5 Intermittent Days)
11/24/2025 Update:
The Nubian (aka Hamill) Gallery building at 2164 Washington Street has been a community fixture for many years. At Community Music Center of Boston, we are honored to be its newest steward, having purchased the building in 2024. We are investing $20 million in a comprehensive renovation to restore the building. It will be a flagship home for arts education, workforce development, community events, music therapy services, and more—set to open in the 2026-27 school year.
One element of our work is to address significant deferred maintenance on both the east and west exterior walls. (The original Washington St façade remains undisturbed).
Although the exterior work is necessary for the building’s safety and structural soundness, we are cognizant of two murals that grace these walls. Both were painted in 2021 thanks to the leadership of Kai Grant and Black Market, as part of a broader public art effort in the square. The east wall of the building houses a mural by Stephen Hamilton titled “1,000 Hooves”. The west wall houses a mural by Marka27 and ProBlaK, aka Rob Gibbs, titled “Reflection Eternal”. One of the subjects of Reflection Eternal is famed local artist Paul Goodknight.
We have been pleased to speak both with Kai and with the artists about their murals, and to get their input on our plans.
On the west wall, masonry specialists will do selective repointing of sections of brick, and per building code, a new doorway needs to be created near the bottom of the mural for egress. Because this work will have minimal impact on the mural, our intention is to preserve Reflection Eternal once the masonry work is complete.
Unfortunately, the east wall, housing 1,000 Hooves, is deteriorated beyond repair, including cracks and areas requiring significant brick replacement. As a result, the majority of the wall needs brick replacement, to undergo complete brick repointing, and the application of a protective exterior coating. We have spoken with Stephen, and he understood the wall’s deteriorating condition, and supported our work with Kai for the future. Because we need to remove the mural, we are working with Kai Grant on a commemoration to be determined together.
Public art is more than just a painting on a wall: it pays tribute to a neighborhood and its identity. These murals have delighted passers-by since 2021 and quickly became much loved elements at the gateway to Nubian Square. We are glad to be able to rehabilitate ProBlaK’s mural, and glad to work with Stephen on a new legacy.
The Nubian (aka Hamill) Gallery building at 2164 Washington Street has been a community fixture for many years. At Community Music Center of Boston, we are honored to be its newest steward, having purchased the building in 2024. We are investing $20 million in a comprehensive renovation to restore the building. It will be a flagship home for arts education, workforce development, community events, music therapy services, and more—set to open in the 2026-27 school year.
One element of our work is to address significant deferred maintenance on both the east and west exterior walls. (The original Washington St façade remains undisturbed).
Although the exterior work is necessary for the building’s safety and structural soundness, we are cognizant of two murals that grace these walls. Both were painted in 2021 thanks to the leadership of Kai Grant and Black Market, as part of a broader public art effort in the square. The east wall of the building houses a mural by Stephen Hamilton titled “1,000 Hooves”. The west wall houses a mural by Marka27 and ProBlaK, aka Rob Gibbs, titled “Reflection Eternal”. One of the subjects of Reflection Eternal is famed local artist Paul Goodknight.
We have been pleased to speak both with Kai and with the artists about their murals, and to get their input on our plans.
On the west wall, masonry specialists will do selective repointing of sections of brick, and per building code, a new doorway needs to be created near the bottom of the mural for egress. Because this work will have minimal impact on the mural, our intention is to preserve Reflection Eternal once the masonry work is complete.
Unfortunately, the east wall, housing 1,000 Hooves, is deteriorated beyond repair, including cracks and areas requiring significant brick replacement. As a result, the majority of the wall needs brick replacement, to undergo complete brick repointing, and the application of a protective exterior coating. We have spoken with Stephen, and he understood the wall’s deteriorating condition, and supported our work with Kai for the future. Because we need to remove the mural, we are working with Kai Grant on a commemoration to be determined together.
Public art is more than just a painting on a wall: it pays tribute to a neighborhood and its identity. These murals have delighted passers-by since 2021 and quickly became much loved elements at the gateway to Nubian Square. We are glad to be able to rehabilitate ProBlaK’s mural, and glad to work with Stephen on a new legacy.
11/1/2025 Update:
Starting on Wednesday, 11/5/2025, the sidewalk will be closed in front 2164 Washington Street and the adjacent Blair Parking Lot. Access to Black Market will not be impacted by this work. Once this work commences, pedestrians will be asked to cross the street at the pedestrian walkway at the intersection of Washington Street and Eustis Street and may cross back over at the intersection of Washington Street and Ruggles Street.
Please note that as part of the renovation of the Community Music Center, the tree in front of the building is being removed with approval from the City of Boston. A new tree will be planted in the spring along with new pavers in front of 2164 Washington Street.
This set up will remain until the street work is complete, which coincides with the street work moratorium. The moratorium states that all work done inside public streets must be complete, and the street backfilled and paved by end of business day on 11/18/2025.
Please reference the “Community Impacts” page for a layout of the sidewalk re-routing plan.
Starting on Wednesday, 11/5/2025, the sidewalk will be closed in front 2164 Washington Street and the adjacent Blair Parking Lot. Access to Black Market will not be impacted by this work. Once this work commences, pedestrians will be asked to cross the street at the pedestrian walkway at the intersection of Washington Street and Eustis Street and may cross back over at the intersection of Washington Street and Ruggles Street.
Please note that as part of the renovation of the Community Music Center, the tree in front of the building is being removed with approval from the City of Boston. A new tree will be planted in the spring along with new pavers in front of 2164 Washington Street.
This set up will remain until the street work is complete, which coincides with the street work moratorium. The moratorium states that all work done inside public streets must be complete, and the street backfilled and paved by end of business day on 11/18/2025.
Please reference the “Community Impacts” page for a layout of the sidewalk re-routing plan.