Photo courtesy of urbanohio.com

While it stands as one of Boston’s most unique and successful music venues, the Middle East in Cambridge faces a very uncertain future. This was discussed at an open community forum on Wednesday night, as venue owner and operator Joseph Sater invited the public to share their input on a plan that calls for the construction of a five story apartment and retail complex on top of the  current structure.

This was the third in a series of meetings to discuss the potential development, which would save the venue from almost certain demolition. The building’s original owner recently passed away, and Sater has an option to buy the property for $7 million. To make this feasible, Sater is attempting to develop the space above the venue and use the income to keep the Middle East in operation below. If Sater is not able to purchase the property within the next two years, the building will hit the market and likely be purchased by a developer who will  level it and start a retail and housing development from scratch.

Two building proposals were discussed at the meeting – an aesthetically pleasing model that would stretch to a height of 90 feet, feature 100 rental units (20 of which would be affordable housing), and a tiered design that would set much of the building back from the street,  providing  plenty of balcony space. The issue with this design is that it is not in line with current zoning restrictions, which call for no building to be over 80ft in height.

The second design is an 80ft box-like structure that would feature 90 units, 15 of which would be designated as affordable housing. This would be easier to build since it would not require an exception to zoning laws, but there are concerns around the impact it’s menacing facade would have on the street below.

Both designs feature a second floor of retail space that would act as a sound buffer, as well as elevated sculptures overlooking both Mass Ave. and Brookline St and a rooftop garden. Sater commented that the second floor didn’t have to only include shops, but could also be used for an art gallery or community space.

The reaction from attendees to the two proposals was mixed, but most seemed to agree that saving the Middle East was  important for the local community. By the end of the night, a decision had been made to take both proposals to the Cambridge Development Committee for their feedback.

The idea of building  a five story apartment building on top of an aging music venue and night club might seem like a stretch, but architect William Schaefer was confident it could be done given the right developer and construction company stepped forward to take on the project.

Over the next two years, we’ll either see the Middle East get even stranger as Sater’s pipe dream becomes a reality, or we’ll lose one of the city’s most vital spots for live music and a venue that hosts multiple acts just about every night of the year. Let’s hope it’s the former.

Rendering Courtesy of the Cambridge Day. Picture depicts 90ft. option, but is slightly different than model displayed at the meeting.