to Another New Era ...

After twenty years of progress and growth at the Birch Street Headquarters, the AAVSO found itself once again needing to economize office space. The 500-plus boxes of computer cards were finally declared redundant and were discarded, but network servers, stock publications, supplies, and more filing cabinets took their place; the library and serials shelves were filled to capacity, the spacious meeting room became the location of five computer work stations, and any remaining floor space was given over to archival storage. Furthermore, anything kept in the building's lower level--especially archival material--was subject to flooding damage: during the twenty years of occupancy, there have been two "10-year storms" during which two to four inches of water accumulated faster than it could be pumped out. Water damage to papers and equipment was minimal--most being on pallets or raised shelving--but much staff time and labor was expended in moving boxes, shelves, and equipment, so that the floor, carpet, and lower walls could be dried and sanitized. Aside from all of this, there were many ongoing maintenance issues which any owner of an older home would recognize: roofing and plumbing problems, replacement of one of the two furnaces, and so on.

At the time of the purchase of 25 Birch Street, it was understood that the city would allow the construction of a third floor, if it was ever needed. The idea surfaced from time to time, but it was never acted upon.

After the death of Janet Mattei in 2004, and the election of Arne Henden as Director in 2005, the problem of space at Headquarters continued to be an issue of growing concern: the stock of publications was growing, additional work areas were established for more student assistants and visiting astronomers, several bequests and gifts of books and archival material were received, and the 30 years of papers and files accumulated during the Mattei era were now to become part of the AAVSO's archives.

Arne was quick to make note of the lack of space and the limited facilities, and the woeful lack of room for expansion of any kind. Options were considered: the third-floor idea was raised again; contractors and architects were called in to hear their opinions about what we could and could not do to increase our space either vertically or horizontally.

At about the same time, Sky Publishing announced that it would be relocating its operations to offices about one-half mile from their present location. Their three buildings were put up for sale, and two were purchased by housing developers. The AAVSO expressed interest in the main building, but a preliminary offer was rejected in favor of a higher bidder. A few months later, as it turned out, the potential buyer withdrew, and Sky Publishing asked if the AAVSO was still interested. This time, the offer was accepted, and the Council gave its approval to go ahead with the purchase.

So, in late December 2006--the AAVSO's 96th year--another address will be added to the historical list. The AAVSO's next home, at 49 Bay State Road, Cambridge, is only about 100 feet--around the corner and just across the street--from 25 Birch. It consists of three structures, all connected with internal access. The main part has two floors of office space; the second part is one floor of open space (formerly used by Sky Publishing as a stock and shipping area) which also contains several side-rooms of offices, a kitchen, shower facility, and utility rooms; the third part is a smaller two-story structure which is also divided into office spaces. The total area is roughly 9,000 square feet, about twice the size of 25 Birch. We will be moving in February, 2007.

Like all of the AAVSO's previous locations, this newest Headquarters is a symbol of the hard work, loyalty, and support of the AAVSO's members and observers throughout the 96 years of its history.

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