Let the Music Beginby John Lynds

ZUMIX ribbon cutting

Let the music beginBy John Lynds

It’s been five years in the making and now it’s finally complete. On Tuesday Zumix staff, elected officials and community leaders cut the ribbon on the popular East Boston program that allows neighborhood kids to explore their musical and artistic abilities new home on the corner of Orleans and Sumner Streets.

Mayor Thomas Menino was on hand in celebrating the grand opening of the $4.6 million renovated Engine 40 Firehouse Firehouse. The new 9,000 square-foot facility boasts a brand new performance stage, rehearsal rooms, as well as a recording studio and radio station, and replaces ZUMIX’ former headquarters on

nearby Maverick Street. “This transformation is something to be proud of. ZUMIX and the East Boston

Community Development Corporation have worked tirelessly with the City, community partners, and funding partners to turn this building into a unique performing arts center for Boston’s young people to enjoy,” said

Menino. “This is a great example of the strong partnerships that help bring new energy to our neighborhoods, and improve the lives of these families, by giving their children access to the arts.” Senator Anthony Petruccelli applauded Zumix’s efforts and thanked its director Madeleine Steczynski for her tireless effort to

bring the new facility to fruition. “When I was growing up just down the street from this building there were, like there is today, plenty of opportunities in the neighborhood to get involved in sports,” said Petruccelli. “What Madeleine (Steczynski) has done is carved out a niche in the community and offered a unique extracurricular activity for East Boston’s youth that might want to explore the world of music and arts.”

Councilor Sal LaMattina echoed Petruccelli’s praise of Steczynski’s work in Eastie. “When I was growing up I think there was one person on Meridian Street that offered music lessons but my family could not afford it,” said LaMattina. “Madeleine (Steczynski) came to me 20 years ago and said she wanted to provide music and art for the neighborhood’s low-income youth and I immediately thought it was a great idea. Personally I see how music and art can enrich a life. I have a daughter that plays piano and violin and that has helped her

succeed in other areas of education.” Evelyn Friedman, Director of the City’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) and representatives of the East Boston Community Development Corporation (EBCDC) were also on hand to celebrate

Zumix’s achievement. “ZUMIX is at the forefront of a growing arts community in East Boston, and their new

firehouse will be a cultural gem for the neighborhood,” said Friedman.

The Department of Neighborhood Development announced in 2004 that it would issue an RFP for the former firehouse located at 260 Summer Street. This announcement prompted neighborhood residents and local

organizations to work with the city to develop a suitable plan for the reuse of the building.

In May of 2005, after a lengthy community process, DND selected Zumix and their partner, the East Boston CDC, to renovate the space to allow for a new, expanded state-of the art music performance center for Boston

youth. This partnership received overwhelming support from the community - over 100 letters were submitted - including letters from the Jefferies Point Neighborhood Association, the East Boston Land Use Council, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and numerous local residents. The project has been made possible in part, by contributions from numerous private foundations totaling more than $1.7 million, and over $300,000 in corporate donations. This substantial investment enabled the development

team to take advantage of over $50,000 in state funding and about $1 million in New Market Tax Credits. Zumix also received $200,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund and they received an incredible outpouring of support from local residents.

Mayor Menino, Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Zumix Director Madeleine Steczynski and City Councilors Sal LaMattina and Felix Arroyo.

Mayor Menino jams on the drums.

East Boston Community Development Corporation (EBCDC) Director Al Caldarelli

andSteczynski.

Councilor LaMattina addresses the crowd.

Zumix’s

The exterior of Zumix's new headquarters.

Mayor Menino