What is the Hudson Armory Project?
The Hudson Armory Project is an innovative initiative of the Hudson Cultural Alliance (HCA), an all-volunteer, local non-profit invested in the transformation of the The Armory building into a regional arts and cultural center.
Our Mission
The mission of the Hudson Armory Project is to enrich the cultural economy of the region by creating an environment in which the arts flourish, inspire, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
Growing the Creative Economy
The economic benefits of a regional cultural arts center in Hudson's downtown, with its award-winning Main Street (America's Main Street Contest), are substantial. The Armory has the resources to serve a large, diverse population. Local restaurants and retail shops can anticipate a steady stream of customers. Increased activity will ignite and expand the vitality of the downtown, enriching the quality of life for community members and families throughout the region.
Maintaining Hudson's History
Designed in 1910 by James E. McLaughlin, the architect of Boston's Fenway Park, The Armory is an iconic, beloved building. Shortly after construction, the Armory became the main facility for the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia and Hudson’s National Guard. The building was adopted by the community as a dance hall and voting site and, more recently, for the training of police and firefighters. The Hudson Armory Project will honor the building’s rich history with informational exhibitions to educate and engage the public.
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Supporting our Community
The Armory has 30,000+ feet of open space for use as an entertainment venue, educational facility, artist incubator, and meeting space. The building’s ample size allows the Town of Hudson to encourage and expand attendance at town community meetings, farmer’s markets, and holiday events. Partnerships with the Library, the Department of Recreation, and local business owners and organizations offer further opportunities for community participation and economic growth.
Centrally Located
On the banks of the Assabet River in downtown Hudson, Massachusetts, The Armory's central location makes it a natural anchor for the burgeoning arts and cultural district. The Town of Hudson is in the heart of the 495 MetroWest Corridor, which is comprised of thirty-five communities in the central-east portion of the state. The Armory's accessible location and notable size allows it to serve a diverse range of people from Hudson and surrounding towns.
Our Vision
The Hudson Armory Project was developed by the Hudson Cultural Alliance to facilitate the creative collaboration between local organizations, businesses, artists, and performers with the goal of actively engaging a large and diverse regional audience.
The Hudson Cultural Alliance was established with the understanding that personal growth and socio-economic stability derive from a community’s active engagement and investment in arts and culture.
Skill-Building for All Ages
Through strategic partnerships, the Hudson Armory Project will be able to offer a variety of workshops that cater to the interests of its members and other residents. Possible workshops may include podcasting, photography, music lessons, jewelry, and visual art studies.
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Group Gatherings at The Armory
To foster a more cohesive and active community, the project will cultivate connections among Hudson residents with shared interests. By welcoming veterans' and community historical groups, we will share the history of the building while providing a place to meet. In addition, the Hudson Armory project will provide support to local youth groups, senior citizen groups, and other cultural organizations.
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Cultural Experiences to Remember
Once The Armory is renovated, there will be performing arts and exhibition space. Regional arts organizations will be able to take advantage of much-needed areas for rehearsals.
Events for the Community
With an open floor plan and outdoor event areas, The Armory will host a variety of public events. Examples may include Farmer's markets, library book sales, and other gatherings that will take advantage of the unique space.
Makerspace
The new space will allow artists from all over the region access to studio space, needed to develop their work. Storage is a much-needed commodity, so removing the burden of lack of storage space will help local arts organizations focus on their work.
Show your support for our cause
Official Hudson Armory Project merch is now available at our online store.
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Hudson Cultural Alliance
Board of Directors
Tom Desmond is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who spent 34 years in the military. Originally trained as a Logistics Officer, Tom had varied assignments as a Medical Services Officer, General Foreman of a Direct Support Maintenance facility and as the Massachusetts National Guard State Safety and Occupational Health Manager. During his career, Tom had assignments in Turkey and Germany.
As the Human Resources Officer Tom managed the civilian personnel data system and management analysis programs for the Massachusetts National Guard. Tom finished his career as the Massachusetts National Guard’s Equal Employment Manager and State Diversity Coordinator. In this capacity, he analyzed demographics and trends for hiring, conducted diversity training and implemented community outreach activities with minority groups.
Upon his retirement, Tom became active in Town affairs. He’s currently Chairperson of the Hudson Public Library Trustees and President and Founding Member of the Hudson Cultural Alliance/Hudson Armory Project.
Tom has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Northeastern University and Master’s Degrees in Library Science and Work Environment Policy.
Originally from Newton, MA, Tom has been a resident of Hudson, MA for 36 years. He’s married to Patricia (Mullin) Desmond.
Charles Randall is a Certified Public Accountant, Hudson Main Street Business Property Owner, Military Veteran and Town resident for 25 plus years. Charles currently serves on a number of key committees to include the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Board/Treasurer Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District. Charles served on Executive Search Committee, Hudson 150th Committee, Town of Hudson. Charles completed his Undergraduate and Graduate studies at George Mason University, Fairfax Virginia.
Charles’ professional experience includes 14 years as a Partner in Public Accounting, 15 years in private corporate entities-Controller/ CFO/ Treasurer and more recently as a Property Owner/Manager Commercial Main Street Hudson.
Charles is active in a variety of municipal activities and is a strong supporter, founder, and Treasurer of the Hudson Armory acquisition, renovation, and development in the Hudson Downtown.
Dr. Patricia Kelly Luoto, Professor Emeritus of Framingham State University, taught for 32 years in the Food and Nutrition Department, serving as Chairperson and Director of the John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition. Pat ended her academic career as the Project Director for the Framingham State Food Study in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Master of Science in food and nutrition from Framingham State College, and EdD from Boston University. In retirement, Pat is active in the town currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Hudson Community Food Pantry, Co-Chair of the Hudson Cultural Council, and a member of the Hudson Cultural Alliance, Board of Directors, Secretary/Clerk.
She is married to George Luoto; they have resided in Hudson for the past 48 years where each of them has been active in the schools, church, town and sports activities with their two sons and grandsons.
Organizing Committee
Volunteers
Interested in Volunteering?
We would love to hear about how your interest, skills, and experience might support the Hudson Armory Project.
Additional Details
The Armory’s purchasing, fundraising, renovation, and eventual operations are being run by the Hudson Cultural Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the town’s history while driving arts and culture forward.
The purchase of the building was funded by an earmark from Senator Jamie Eldridge. We have received a matching grant from the Mass Cultural Council. Additional funding is coming through fundraising efforts with Hudson’s Business Improvement District, local organizations, businesses, restaurants, and individuals.
Funding has been used to purchase the building from the Commonwealth. All additional funding will be used for architectural study, bringing the building up to code, renovation, permitting, licensing and finally programming.
If you’re interested in helping support our efforts, please contact us at contact@hudsonarmoryproject.org