DPW is the department of public works for Cambridge Massachusetts. Here is the phone number+1 617-349-4800 follow the prompts to talk to the right person.

Yeah, I think they took over Baptiste a few years ago? (After the scandal that is)

I really really hope y'all can find a new space! A&C is a great store and it would be a tragedy to see it go. There's a storefront at 77 Broadway in Somerville that used to house a trophy shop and seems to have been vacated recently. I've never been inside, so no idea if there's a larger interior space that could be made workable for A&C's inventory, but might be worth checking out!

I'm simultaneously heartbroken to hear you're closing, but heartened to hear you're shopping for a new location! I dearly hope you find one.

Sincerely, a long term customer. Seriously, hurry up and tell us you've found a new location ;)

If you'd like to open a store in quincy center, I'm just saying, the only art supply store on the south shore is michaels. It would be water in a desert.

Currently we either order online or drive to Cambridge. And do you know how people south of downtown are loath to go north of downtown?

Thanks for sharing this! Really helpful.

Def works!

I don't know what the plan will be with the large building that CHA is housed in now, but I did get word from someone who works in the city that they will probably be trying to encourage businesses that are good for the square -- i.e. improving foot traffic, and not another stupid bank branch. A&C would definitely seem to fit the bill.

Talk to the Inman Square Business Association, and/or the city's Community Development department?

Thank you! Happy to spread some positivity 💕

You're welcome!! And thank you as well - just a matter of time before we're back and better I'm sure 😌

Hearing from you and customers with similar stories and experiences in our store is invaluable. I think one of the things I'll miss the absolute most about our location is the spray paint alley! 😩 our store was the spot for so many loyal and local graffiti artists, spray paint enthusiasts, and some folks just starting out or experimenting... thank you so much for your sweet words. It's our community that made our store so special as well 💕

Good looking out with Boynton Yards. Definitely will look into that. Thank you!!

So it goes 😞 hoping to make the most of this situation though.

Oh I'm so glad! Hoping to convey the bittersweetness of this situation. Every time a door closes, a new one opens...

I believe it on the students who'd frequent our store! I've seen some promising options around the area for sure. Knowing there's a lot of interest for a potential new A&C location in that area is very helpful. Thank you :)

Oh my!! That's absolutely a thought. Thanks so much for pointing this out - I'll follow up on this for sure.

I know... :( I'll miss that wacky basement space as well. But nothing wrong with a new chapter!

Oh no! You'll be missed. I did wonder why there was a 30% sale when I was there yesterday...

Inman Sq is about to have some prime real estate because the CHA is closing its doors for good. It will be right on the brand-new walkable square that they're finishing up there...

Huh.

So you say you were parked in Zone C (odd on 1st Friday, even on 2nd Monday), but you got towed as if you were in Zone E (odd on 2nd Thursday).

Zone E borders Zone C on River Street (see map: https://www.cambridgema.gov/services/streetcleaning). One side of River St is Zone E and the other side is Zone C.

The north/west side of River Street is E and has street cleaning on 2nd Thursday.

Are you sure you weren't parked on the odd side of River St, and looked at a sign near the even side and assumed it was the same zone?

E.g. say you parked on the odd side of River St next to the intersection of William St. The sign that would be visible from there on William St (see Google Street View) says 1st Friday on the odd side, so that could be confusing. But it would be referring to William St, not River.

(It would be a lot easier if you just posted your intersection, it's not like we can dox you from that, but that's fine if you want to keep your privacy.)

Entirely S&S's fault. They sold Ryles, and attached a rider saying the place couldn't be used for food or entertainment for 20(?) years. They didn't want competition.

That’s what I was thinking! Is Down Under in the same location? If so, that’s the one.

Thanks for the news and good luck! I'll miss the current location, but I'm hoping you find another that works for you.

I read the news yesterday, and plan to come in to the store today. It would be hard to count the number of times I've been in and gotten help from your wonderful staff. One of my favorite pastimes before the pandemic was to go pick out a couple of cans of paint and spray in the alley across the street. Your store is truly something special, I hope you are able to find a great spot with excellent landlords soon.

To that end I wonder if someone on the Boynton Yard development team could help? They have done a lot of arts programming over there and that won't be too far from the art farm in Somerville.

So glad to read this! I hope it works out.

Thank you for everything! Love the store and hoping (seeing your comment) that this isn't the end)!

Yeah! There are tons of empty retail spots along Mass Ave between Harvard and Porter.

This makes me so happy to read!! And I'll second the request for the Porter/Davis area :) There are tons of Tufts/SMFA students and Lesley Art Therapy students who would frequent your store.

Central Square is becoming a victim of its own "success". Every block on Mass Ave is turning into fancy restaurant, dispensary, fancy gym, cocktail bar, bank branch, repeat. Can't imagine what commercial rents are like now.