In 1988, when a group of arts supporters sought to establish the non-profit Zullo Gallery Center for the Arts in the historic building at 456 Main St. in Medfield, it benefited from landlords who believed in the gallery mission to advance and support the arts, and who have supported it themselves with extremely reasonable lease agreements.
Now, more than 35 years later, the local residents who currently own the property are contemplating selling it, and have offered the Zullo Gallery the chance to purchase the building from them after a decade of ownership. (The building in which the Zullo Gallery is located is under separate ownership from Brothers Marketplace.)
“For nearly four decades, the Zullo Gallery has realized its mission in countless ways – whether through a variety of exhibits, art classes, live music, or a gathering space for the community,” says Bill Pope, Zullo Gallery Executive Director and co-founder. “Since the gallery’s inception, we’ve wanted the Zullo to have a true permanent home in its current Main Street location. Ownership of the site provides the security needed to invest in the building, build a long-term vision for the gallery, qualify for significant arts and cultural grants, and possibly receive tax benefits.”
After a financial analysis of revenue, expenses and bank loan, the Zullo Gallery has determined it would need to raise $600,000 by March 1 to allow it to move forward with purchase negotiations.
Zullo Gallery trustees and advisory board members are in support of the Zullo exploring the building purchase, but with the realization that a significant amount of funding will be needed in a short amount of time.
“We are hoping that between existing Zullo supporters, local community members, and possible ‘Angel Investors,’ we can raise the money needed to keep the gallery in its current location. Doing so would not only allow the Zullo Gallery to continue in downtown Medfield, but hopefully provide some peace of mind to our small business-owner friends below,” said Pope.
Anyone who is interested in supporting Zullo Gallery efforts to purchase the building, either with a financial contribution or fundraising support, should contact Bill Pope via e-mail at [email protected] or via phone at 508-843-2375. Donations to the Zullo can also be made at zullogallery.org/support.
History of Zullo Gallery building:
The building at 456 Main St., Medfield, is located in the Town Center Historic District.
Built around 1890, the Zullo Gallery space once housed meeting space for the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R) Moses Ellis Post 117, an organization that pledged to care for Civil War veterans, help them find jobs, forge friendships, and foster political unity.
The original G.A.R headquarters in the historic Main Street building was comprised of two main halls, according to the American Legion Beckwith Post 110 website. The first-floor hall was used for G.A.R banquets and dinners, and the upper hall was used for meetings. The national G.A.R. officially disbanded in 1956. In Medfield, the Main Street building where G.A.R was once housed became retail establishments after its own decline more than a decade earlier.
