Old Town Hall reno enters 2nd phase

EASTHAMPTON — Phase two of Easthampton’s Old Town Hall restoration project will give the entry of the 156-year-old building a new look, and the work is now set to begin after a groundbreaking event on Tuesday afternoon.

Local and state legislators gathered to speak to members of the community, sharing a moment of appreciation while marking the next step of the 20-year project.

“What a joyful, long-awaited day this is,” said CitySpace President Burns Maxey, welcoming the public to the event. “Today we’re not just breaking ground, we’re breaking through barriers. For the first time in 156 years every floor of Easthampton’s Old Town Hall will become physically accessible.”

The nonprofit, CitySpace, was formed in 2006 to preserve and manage Old Town Hall as a center for the arts, leasing the space to Easthampton City Arts and Big Red Frame/The Elusie Gallery. The building operated as Easthampton’s town hall from 1869-2003 before operations moved to 50 Payson Ave. due to accessibility issues and building code violations.

The groundbreaking stamped the beginning of the second of a three-phase plan, entailing the transformation of the entryway of the building to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), installation of an elevator reaching every floor and recovery of a historic stained-glass window to be relocated to the front facade of the building.

CitySpace is contracted with Keiter Corp. of West Springfield for the construction of this phase, designed by Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst.

“This is a momentous occasion, we are celebrating the new groundbreaking for the new elevator and entry way for the old town hall,” said Maxey about the 20-plus-year project in an interview with the Gazette. “We are incredibly excited to celebrate with all of those that have helped this come to fruition.”

Interim Easthampton Mayor and City Council President Salem Derby spoke on the eve of his appointment as interim mayor, effective on Wednesday, giving his gratitude for this project’s development. Derby has seen the 20-plus year development grow since he joined the council in 2003.

“What makes this project and our city truly special is how many hands have lifted it,” said Derby. “Current and former officials, local businesses, craftsmen and volunteers have rallied together in the shared belief that culture belongs at the center of community life and your collaboration is the reason Easthampton has grown from a mill town to a creative destination. … Thank you for proving once again that Easthampton’s greatest asset is its people. I can’t wait to witness the love and effort you’ve shown come alive for the benefit of the community.”

Designs for the building began in 2018 with the creation of a three-phase plan in 2020, devised by CitySpace for a $11.5 million restoration of the two-story, brick building at 43 Main St. In 2022, the Blue Room was renovated as a 100-seat and 230-standing space to lease for different events and performances.

“You do not get projects like this, period end of story, if there is not collaboration between local, state and federal government,” said state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield. “The day of separate silos in government is over. … This project, and you my friend (Maxey) have so much to do with that as the leader of this, is the epitome of collaboration.”

The second phase is estimated to cost $3.875 million, being patched together by different sources of funding. Some $2.152 million is coming from funding from the Community Preservation Act, adopted in 2001 creating a 3% tax surcharge generating revenue for projects addressing open space, affordable housing, historic preservation and recreation.

“I was on the city council for 27 years and during that time I tried to shepherd this project through the CPA …” said Dan Rist, the vice chair of the CPA committee. “I am absolutely thrilled that it has come to phase two and we are going to build the elevator.”

Additionally, CitySpace received a $501,830 grant last October, through the state’s Underutilized Property Program, another $1,104,664 from individual donations, $200,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund and $150,000 from Easthampton Savings Bank.

Phase one of the project, completed in 2023, replaced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems, and installed infrastructure for high voltage power throughout the building costing $661,132.

Phase three, without a set construction date, will involve restoration of the second floor turning it into a 350-seat, fully accessible, flexible arts venue. That work will cost $6,484,118, taking the brunt of funding for the entire project, involving repairs to the ceiling, installing theater lighting and sound systems and creating more backstage space. Funding from this phase has not been fully collected.

“They say there’s something in the water here in Easthampton, whatever it is, Easthampton is rich in generosity,” said Maxey. “This project reflects the spirit of the city driven by people who care deeply and work passionately to make it better everyday.”

Sam Ferland can be reached at sferland@gazettenet.com.