Bellforge Arts Center broke ground today on a $30 million historic preservation and renovation project at the former Medfield State Hospital, transforming the Lee Chapel and adjacent Infirmary into a year-round arts and education campus for MetroWest. Doors are expected to open in the fall of 2027. The project converts the Lee Chapel into a 300-seat flexible performance venue and the adjacent Infirmary into 16 practice rooms and classrooms, anchored by a new glass connector serving as the central lobby and gallery. The campus builds on four years of outdoor programming that has already drawn more than 42,000 visitors to the site since 2022.
“Our mission has always been to make this site, and this region, a place where the arts belong to everyone,” said Jean Mineo, Executive Director of Bellforge Arts Center.
“Bellforge is being built on the conviction that great art shouldn't only happen in big cities, and that a former hospital campus can become one of the most welcoming cultural homes in the Commonwealth. Today, we begin turning that conviction into something permanent.”
The $30 million construction budget is funded through Bellforge's $25 million capital campaign — which has raised more than $20.7 million to date — together with historic tax credits through the Massachusetts Historic Commission that offset a portion of construction costs. Fundraising continues as construction begins.
“Opportunities like this come along once in a generation,” said Jessica Thompson Somol, President of the Bellforge Arts Center Board of Directors. “A property like this, with its rich history of community, service, and reflection, is a gem and we are committed to creating a destination where five artistic disciplines — theater, music, visual, dance and culinary — come together in one campus. There is nothing like this elsewhere in the Commonwealth and we look forward to offering a robust menu of opportunities for both young and old to explore their creative artistic interests without having to drive to Boston or the Berkshires. We still have some hard work ahead to finish this phase of the campaign and hope others will join us in supporting our bold vision for this unique property.”
DBVW Architects, known for blending modern function with historic preservation, is leading the design alongside general contractor Delphi Construction, a Waltham-based firm with over 30 years of experience bringing complex preservation and institutional projects to life. Together, they're shaping a plan that accommodates future solar infrastructure and incorporates sustainable elements throughout.
The project includes:
● An 18,000-square-foot renovation of the Chapel into a state-of-the-art flexible performance venue for 300 guests, featuring retractable seating, multiple concession areas, live-streaming capabilities, expandable staging, and professional sound,lighting, and visual systems
● A new 5,200-square-foot glass connector serving as the central lobby and accessible entry, including gallery space, restrooms, and a catering kitchen
● A 2,400-square-foot backstage addition housing green rooms and loading access
● An 8,000-square-foot renovation of the three-story Infirmary, providing 16 practice rooms and classrooms for music, education, and rehearsal
● Site-wide improvements including new utilities, outdoor learning and performance spaces, and parking
A Permanent Home for Arts and Community:
Today's groundbreaking marks Bellforge's transition from four years of temporary outdoor activation to a permanent, year-round home. Since 2022, the organization has built its audience and programming through free concerts, festivals, and community events on the Medfield State Hospital campus — establishing a foundation that the new facilities will expand and sustain. Bellforge will continue presenting programming throughout construction, including a full slate of outdoor events for the 2026 season.
“This groundbreaking belongs to the team, the artists, the audiences, and the donors who believed in this vision,” said Paul Armstrong, Artistic Director of Bellforge Arts Center. “For four years, our staff and artists have delivered extraordinary concerts and festivals entirely outdoors, and the community has shown up for every one. Supporters backed this project when it lived only on paper, and their belief is what put shovels in the ground today. The creativity and the community are already here. Today we start building the home they deserve.”
State and Local Infrastructure Investment:
Separate from Bellforge Arts Center’s construction project, the broader Medfield State Hospital redevelopment is supported by state and local infrastructure investment through MassDevelopment administered by the Town of Medfield. This public funding reflects coordinated efforts between state and local partners to advance the site’s long-term redevelopment. While these infrastructure funds do not count toward Bellforge’s capital campaign or building construction costs, the investment signals meaningful public support for the project and its regional importance.
“I’m extremely proud to have brought together key stakeholders to help move things forward and secure this significant additional investment for the Bellforge Arts Center/Medfield State Hospital project,” said State Senator Becca Rausch. “Bellforge has quickly become a beloved community hub, and these funds will unlock its profound
potential to creatively expand and host even more musical and artistic events. This multi-million-dollar additional investment will also support the essential infrastructure for hundreds of much-needed new housing units. This project is a shining example of what’s possible through meaningful partnership between our local communities and all levels of government. It was a true pleasure and privilege to help facilitate this successful collaboration.”
“This project is transformative for Medfield and the region as a whole,” said State Representative Joshua Tarsky. “In a time when housing stock is badly needed, the Commonwealth, the Town of Medfield, Trinity Financial, and the Bellforge Arts Center have exemplified what a public-private partnership can achieve. I’m thrilled to have played a part in this development and am excited to see such a substantive step forward be taken towards its completion.”
“Projects like the Medfield State Hospital redevelopment are exactly why collaboration matters,” said State Representative Marcus Vaughn. “This site holds deep history for our region, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see it reimagined in a way that honors its past while creating opportunity for the future. Bringing housing, arts, culture, and community together in one place is not just smart policy — it will be the crown jewel of this region and a model for what thoughtful redevelopment can achieve.”
Local leadership also played a key role in advancing the project. Bellforge Arts Center extends its thanks to Medfield Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler and the Medfield Select Board Chair Gus Murby, along with Select Board members Eileen Murphy and Pete Peterson, for their continued partnership and support.
