Construction of new residence hall delayed

The University was forced to postpone a series of construction projects after the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) objected to plans to demolish a building on Professors Row.

The former music building at 20 Professors Row, along with the buildings at 13 and 15 Talbot Ave., were supposed to be demolished to make way for a 150-bed environmentally-friendly dormitory. But the commission, whose approval was required before a building permit could be issued, objected to the project because of the music building's historic value. The wood-frame house was the home of former Tufts president Hosea Ballou, and in a letter sent in May, the commission said it would prefer that no part of the house be demolished.

The University negotiated with the commission over the summer, but the dispute has not yet been resolved and there is still no start date for the construction of Sophia Gordon Hall -- even though the groundbreaking ceremony for the dormitory took place almost four months ago and demolition was supposed to begin this summer.

The setback has forced the University to delay construction of the new music center, which is planned for the corner of Professors Row and Packard Ave., the current location of the Zeta Psi fraternity.

But according to Barbara Rubel, the University's director of community relations, the administration is not worried that the objection will halt the project. "It is fair to say we're optimistic that we will build the dorm," she said.

Tufts had consulted with the Somerville city government, but the commission did not get involved until late in the planning process.

"We we're doing what we needed to do and [the city] was doing what it needed to do," Rubel said.

Tufts also consulted with residents in neighborhoods adjacent to the University, and according to Rubel, only three people expressed concern.

The University believes the dorm would benefit nearby communities because it would keep more students in university accommodation. "Pulling students out of the neighborhood and to the campus would reduce problems for residents," Rubel said. "Most students are fine neighbors but some aren't."

Many students agreed with Rubel's observations.

"If more students can live on campus then there are less off-campus parties and noise complaints," said sophomore Matt Everett "Plus it is easier and cheaper for the students."

The new dorm would also reduce the demand for off-campus housing, easing the strain on the housing supplies of Medford and Somerville.

According to Rubel, Somerville Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay supports the new dorm project, but she wants the University to reach an acceptable agreement with the SHPC.

The dispute is part of an ongoing struggle between the university's expansion and modernization and the interests of Somerville and the SHPC. There has even been an attempt to create a historic district on Professor's Row.

The University originally considered two other sites for the construction of the new dorm: off the side of Hill Hall with a bridge connecting the two buildings and behind Metcalf Hall where the Start House and Alumni House are located.