Embrace Boston, the organization known for the Embrace Monument, has announced the acquisition of a building in Downtown Crossing. This site, located at 33-41 West St., will become the group’s new headquarters and a civic gathering space. The project aims to honor Frederick Douglass and his contributions to the abolitionist movement, transforming the space into an indoor civic commons open to all Bostonians and visitors.

A New Civic Center

The acquisition marks a new chapter for Embrace Boston, following the unveiling of the Embrace Monument honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in 2023. The new center will be a 35,000-square-foot destination, featuring rotating art installations, flexible programming spaces, a café, and a podcast studio. The ground and second floors will serve as gathering spaces for community organizations, while the upper floors will house commercial and organizational tenants.

Honoring Frederick Douglass

The building draws inspiration from Frederick Douglass, who came to Massachusetts in 1841 after escaping slavery. Douglass’s legacy will be a central theme, with plans for a national open call for artists to create public artwork that transforms the building into a monument. This initiative extends the legacy of The Embrace into a new space, allowing artists to engage with the building’s history and Boston’s ongoing story.

Community Support and Future Plans

The acquisition was made possible through support from longstanding donors, including Embrace’s board of directors and financing from Eastern Bank. The organization is still seeking additional capital for renovations and programming. The building is scheduled to open by Boston’s 400th birthday in 2030, with further programming announcements to follow.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.