However, the overwhelming public support for the proposal was tempered by the practical and logistical concerns brought up by the city staff and Council members.

In particular, City Manager Richard C. Rossi noted that the financing estimate of $11 million only includes costs related to bring the building up to code like handicap access, roofing, and plumbing. If the building is to be equipped for use as a STEAM facility, the costs would be much higher.

"If the city is going to pay for it all...then that's a 25-or-more-million-dollar expenditure that shows nowhere in our capital plan," Rossi said.

Finding a way to finance the upgrade poses another challenge, especially since there are several pending projects that have been promised funding. Councillor E. Denise Simmons reminded the assembly that the City Council has already committed to renovating three local schools, but has not been able to fulfill that obligation.

The Foundry building was built in 1895 as part of the George F. Blake Manufacturing Company. Since then, the building has been renovated several times and most recently served as home to numerous Kendall Square startups.

The Foundry was purchased by the city, with the stipulation that at least a portion of the building be designated for community use.

—Staff writer Arjun S. Byju can be reached at arjunbyju@college.harvard.edu.