CitySpace Project to Receive $3.5 Million in Congressionally Directed Spending

EASTHAMPTON — CitySpace announced it has been granted a $3.5 million congressionally directed spending award to support the restoration of Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall, marking a major milestone in the long-term effort to transform the landmark into a fully accessible, multi-level center for arts, culture, and community life. The funding will advance the next phase of work to restore the building’s second floor as a 350-seat performing arts venue, dramatically expanding public access and cultural opportunity in the heart of downtown Easthampton.

The federal funding was secured through the leadership and advocacy of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, with particular recognition of U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, whose offices worked closely with CitySpace and local partners to advance the project.

“The restoration and development of Easthampton’s Old Town Hall serves as a shining example of what is possible when a community has a vision,” Markey said. “CitySpace, local leaders, and the Easthampton community have breathed new life into this historic structure, transforming a stranded municipal asset into an anchor of the local economy and a nexus for community initiatives. I am proud to partner with CitySpace and the city of Easthampton to bring forward federal support to advance this important project.”

Added Warren, “CitySpace’s restoration of the Old Town Hall is about building a better, more vibrant future. This federal investment is an important step in supporting new cultural and economic opportunities for artists and organizations throughout Easthampton and the surrounding communities.”

Located at the heart of Easthampton’s Main Street Historic District, Old Town Hall is one of the city’s most prominent civic buildings. Owned by the city and stewarded by CitySpace through a 40-plus-year lease, the building is being restored and activated as a center for the arts through a public-private partnership that has kept the space in active use while undergoing phased improvements.

“This $3.5 million federal investment is a powerful vote of confidence in Easthampton’s vision for Old Town Hall and in the extraordinary work of CitySpace to bring that vision to life,” Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby said. “With the leadership of Senators Markey and Warren and our entire congressional delegation, we are transforming a historic landmark into a fully accessible, multi-level center for arts, culture, and community. This project honors our past while building a more vibrant, inclusive future, strengthening our downtown, supporting local artists and small businesses, and creating a gathering place that will serve generations to come.”

Celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, CitySpace has brought new energy to the first floor of Old Town Hall, transforming the historic space into a vibrant hub for exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, and community gatherings. Since its founding, CitySpace has led the thoughtful reuse and restoration of the building, providing affordable and accessible space for artists, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Since 2014, CitySpace has led a series of restoration efforts to stabilize and improve Old Town Hall, including the current project to add an elevator serving all four floors, dramatically expanding accessibility in the 157-year-old building. The granted federal funding will advance the restoration of the second floor, creating a 350-seat performing arts venue in the space that once served as the building’s historic meeting hall.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Markey and his team for their leadership and advocacy, to Senator Warren for her continued support, and to the entire Western Massachusetts congressional delegation for recognizing the importance of this project,” said Michael Tautznik, treasurer of CitySpace and former mayor of Easthampton. “This $3.5 million earmark is the result of strong collaboration across federal, state, municipal, and local partners who believe in investing in shared civic spaces. It is truly transformative, accelerating the restoration of Old Town Hall’s second floor and securing its future as a vital public, cultural, and economic asset for Easthampton and the region.”