Zullo Gallery-Center for the Arts, the nonprofit arts organization in downtown Medfield, is moving toward ownership of its longtime home at 454-456A Main St., thanks to a pending building sale and more than $500,000 in community commitments.
Building owners Tom and Lisa Nightingale have reached an agreement to sell the historic property to the Zullo Gallery. The deal follows months of fundraising and planning by Executive Director Bill Pope, and a group of Zullo trustees, advisory board members and other supporters.
Among the 35 individuals who pledged support are the Nightingales themselves. The final piece is coming together with financing from Needham Bank, a longtime supporter of the gallery that previously funded construction of the rooftop deck in 2007.
“We’ve had many twists and turns over the last two months,” said Pope. “And while we still have additional steps to go, we’re excited to have gotten this far with so much community support for the Zullo Gallery to have a permanent home in downtown Medfield.”
Pope said purchasing the building has been a long-term goal for the organization. Ownership will allow for capital improvements that are otherwise out of reach for renters — including handicapped accessibility, which will open up new grant opportunities, as well as a kitchen and deck covering to support expanded programming.
Pope also emphasized that the gallery plans to retain its three downstairs tenants: Casa Bella Pizza, Absi Jeweler, and Medfield Barbershop. “They’re an important part of what makes Main Street special,” he said.
Tom Nightingale, who purchased the building in 2015, said selling to the Zullo is a meaningful decision. “As someone raised and educated in Medfield, with children who were also involved in the arts, my wife and I have enjoyed seeing the Zullo thrive and grow since its founding in 1988,” he said. “We’re pleased to be part of its future.”
He added, “To shepherd this historical property for a decade while creating opportunities for three first-generation immigrants to live the American dream, and my fourth-grade gym teacher to bring the arts to our community, has been a real privilege.”
The Main Street building lies within the Town Center Historic District. Though the town assessment database lists it as built in 1890, local records and historians — including Medfield Town Historian Richard DeSorgher — indicate the structure was built around 1860 and relocated from North Street to Main Street.
For nearly four decades, the Zullo Gallery has presented art exhibitions, art classes, live music and community events. In addition to Needham Bank, past and present supporters include Medfield Foundation Inc. and Massachusetts Cultural Council via the Medfield Cultural Council.
Community members who want to join the team that is making a significant investment in the future of the gallery are encouraged to contact Bill Pope for details at [email protected].
Regular donations can be made online at zullogallery.org/support or mailed to/dropped off at Zullo Gallery, 456A Main St., Medfield, MA 02052.
