Page 44 - BusinessWest February 20, 2023

“This was established
in 1869 to be the hub for community, for performances, for meetings, for dances. It was the place where peo”ple gathered.
the Blue Room, is largely completed. “When you look at the second floor,” Maxey said, “you see where the funding stopped.”
Elaborating, she explained, “when the pandemic hit, we started to think about phasing the project and what our options would be to continue the work. So we talked to our architects, and they said, ‘yes, you can phase it.’ Initially,
we thought that it would be one project as a whole, but it grew from a $6.6 million project to an $8.5 million project, which is a lot, but compared to a lot of other projects within the region and beyond, it’s not too far off from where we originally started.”
Phase two of the project, which has already seen the HVAC system upgraded and modernized, will also add an elevator and newly accessible entryway in front of the building; Maxey said CitySpace needs about $170,000 to get there.
Phase three, easily the most expensive part of the $8.5 million project, will complete the second floor, restoring
the ceiling and floors, adding restrooms, installing new electrical and fire-safety systems, and investing in state- of-the-art theatrical and lighting equipment. Amid the modern amenities, Maxey wants to retain as much history as possible, including the mahogany balcony.
“Easthampton, historically, wasn’t a wealthy town,” she explained. “Unlike Holyoke or Springfield or Northampton, we really don’t have a plethora of beautiful buildings throughout the city. This was established in 1869 to be the hub for community, for performances, for meetings, for dances. It was the place where people gathered.”
It’s Maxey’s vision to see that happen again, and she intends to maintain affordable rental rates, not just in the small space currently open, but in the large performance hall on the second floor, once it’s complete.
“That’s part of our mission, to keep this building affordable for
Maxey >> Continued on page 67
Old Town Hall housed Easthampton’s municipal offices until 2003. Staff Photo
Congratulations to the 2023 Difference Makers!
bankESB salutes you in recognition of your leadership, continued dedication, and commitment to our community. Thank you for your outstanding contributions.
• Helix Human Services, formerly the Children’s Study Home
• Nathan Costa, President, Springfield Thunderbirds
• Steven and Jean Graham, Owners, Toner Plastics Group
• Burns Maxey, Board President, CitySpace
• Claudia Pazmany, Executive Director, Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
• Gabrielle Gould, Executive Director, Amherst Business Improvement District
• Gary Rome, President and CEO, Gary Rome Auto Group
• Henry Thomas, President and CEO, Urban League of Springfield
• Springfield Ballers
bankESB.com | 855.527.4111
Member FDIC | Member DIF
44 FEBRUARY 20, 2023
BusinessWest