Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 48 OCTOBER 2018 PHOTOGRAPH BY MARIO JOSEPH FORGIONE/COURTESY OF NORTHEAST ARC FROM COFFEE TO CULTURE The Northeast Arc helps to redene downtown Peabody. By David Thomson Over the last few years, the City of Peabody has focused on revitalizing its downtown area. Multiple surveys were conducted, in conjunction with Salem State's Center for Economic Development and Sustainability, to nd out what residents and businesses wanted to see happen in the area. Results continued to show a coeeshop as the number one response. A popular retail chain was second. An increase in "arts and culture attractions" to draw people to downtown Peabody at night was the number three response. "As we worked together to execute our shared vision for downtown Peabody, an already strong partnership became even stronger," says mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr."Our survey respondents identied the need for a downtown coee shop, and the Northeast Arc sought a food service training ground for the individuals they serve.It seemed like a great opportunity for both the city and the Arc, and Breaking Grounds was born." While Breaking Grounds on Main Street was a success, how could this innovative nonprot possibly help increase arts and culture as part of the master plan for downtown Peabody? Tom Gould, a Peabody city councilor and owner of the popular Treadwell's ice cream shop in Peabody, thought he had the answer The stage at the Black Box Theater in Peabody / L I V E + P L AY / to that question. Gould approached the Northeast Arc to see if they had space in the ArcWorks Community Art Center on Foster Street in Peabody that might t the need. Seeing possibility where others saw an empty warehouse (in which the Arc used to house its shredding business before it moved to Danvers), Gould, along with the Northeast Arc's recently retired chief development ocer, Susan Ring Brown, and director of innovation and strategy, Tim Brown, focused on the building's incredible potential. Taking the lead as the chair of the Friends of the Peabody Black Box Committee, Gould headed fundraising and volunteering with partners including the Peabody Cultural Collaborative, Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, Peabody Main Streets, Opportunity Peabody, and city leaders, working with the Northeast Arc to reinvent the space into the new theatre. e completely renovated space will provide employment opportunities for local actors, musicians, set builders, ticket sellers,