Page 17 - BusinessWest April 15, 2024

“There are a lot of people who want to get involved and have things here.”
Sound Decisions
It’s called the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy.
And it’s described thusly: “Over a century and a half after Edgar Allan Poe’s death, this cocktail experience brings the most beloved works of Poe to life off the page and onto the stage. Our immer- sive evening pairs four tales with a dash and history and heavy libations.”
Those presenting the program are among the many varied groups who have reached out to SPAV about performing at 52 Sumner, said Park, noting that the strong interest to date, which comes from several local bands, theater groups, and more, speaks to just how quickly this new venue has captured the imagination of the arts community. And held it.
Looking back, those with the original vision said this is what they had in mind — sort of. From the beginning, they thought they had something unique, something special. It took some time to see just how special.
Our story begins in 2019, when Faith United Church closed amid declining membership. The property became one of several houses of worship to come on the market in recent years for essen- tially that reason.
The church, designed by renowned architect William Van Alen, noted for his design of New York’s Chrysler Building, was on
the market for a few years when it came to the attention of Park and her business partner, who were looking for another location for their after-school programs. They eventually acquired it for $525,000.
With those programs and a daycare facility as tenants, the over- riding question, as noted earlier, involved what to do the sanctuary portion of the building. Soon, plans for a performance venue started to develop, and over the course of a year they came together, along with the nonprofit Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc. and its broad mission.
The needed renovations were fairly extensive, said McKellick, noting that the floors had to be refinished and the hall repainted, a large project requiring specific expertise because of the height of
An undated picture of Faith United Church.
the hall. Acoustic panels were added as well as sound and lighting systems, he went on, noting that the work was completed late last year.
Meanwhile, the necessary permits were obtained. Working with
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