Page 61 - BusinessWest February 21, 2022
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 An architectural rendering from Kuhn Riddle Architects of the second-floor performing-arts and community space at Old Town Hall.
Historic Renovation
CitySpace Launches Old Town Hall Restoration Project
With the financial support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund and the Easthampton Community Preservation
Act, CitySpace is beginning the first phase of a multi-million-dollar project to restore Easthampton Old Town Hall, the majestic brick building centrally located in the city’s
downtown, as a center for the arts.
The $511,000 first phase, a portion of the total
$6.9 million restoration, will prepare the build- ing’s air systems for energy-efficient use, add new HVAC systems, and upgrade the historic building’s electrical system. Phasing the project will provide system upgrades and prepare the building for its next phase: completing the reno- vation of a 3500-square-foot, 350-seat arts and entertainment venue equipped with theatrical lighting, sound and projection systems, flexible staging and seating, and full accessibility.
“This is not a new project; it’s something we’ve been talking about for a long time. I consider it the single most important, impactful project this city has going forward for economic develop- ment ... I’m excited that we are starting it,” East- hampton City Councilor Dan Rist said at a Com- munity Preservation Act Committee meeting in November. The committee and Easthampton’s City Council unanimously voted to push forward $255,576 of reserved funding.
CitySpace originally intended to build the $6.9 million project in one stage. However, this past summer, the organization explored the option
of phasing the building project with the help of Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst, and found that dividing the scope of work was feasible. Other than the addition of an energy-recovery
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CONSTRUCTION
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