Vanyaland: Interim rehearsal space The Record Co. @ 55 opens in Dorchester

Published in Vanyaland on March 16, 2023; By Victoria Wasylak

Artists recently displaced from their practice studios now have the option to take roost at The Record Co. @ 55, an interim music rehearsal space at 55 Morrissey Blvd. in Dorchester. The facility opened its doors earlier this week, following the completion of a build-out organized by The Record Co., who will operate the 35,0000 square foot facility.

Equipped with 88 studios, The Record Co. @ 55 serves as a temporary rehearsal space for more than 500 artists, including some who were forced to vacate the Sound Museum in Brighton following the building’s acquisition by life sciences company IQHQ. The building features free parking, security patrols and cameras, and five different sizes of studios, which range from monthly costs of $374 to $876. On-site streaming and recording studios will be available to rent later this spring. The Record Co.’s website currently offers a waitlist for musicians interested in renting a room at the new property.

The Record Co. @ 55 is the product of ongoing work between The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition, City Councilor Liz Breadon, and the Boston Planning and Development Agency, who are seeking solutions for artists in need of rehearsal spaces in Boston.

“The arts are a large part of what makes our city special and we must do everything we can to ensure our artists and creatives can afford to stay and thrive in our city,” says Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re glad all involved were able to provide an interim rehearsal space for so many musicians.”

Center Court Mass LLC, owner of 55 Morrissey Blvd., also played a pivotal role in the development of The Record Co. @ 55, offering the building for rent ahead of the company’s plans to redevelop the property. The building was previously home to radio stations owned and operated by Beasley Media Group; according to Curbed, Center Court Mass. LLC plans to convert the space into housing units, shops, and restaurants in the coming years.

“We are glad to help the musicians, in the short term, find a practice space in the City,” notes Matthew Snyder of Center Court Mass. LLC, owner of the swing space. “Our development won’t begin for a while, so we’re happy to put the space to use until then.”