CitySpace, the nonprofit organization that manages Easthampton’s old Town Hall, held a presentation of the design for “Phase 3, old Town Hall Restoration, The Big One”  in Flywheel Arts Collective, on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Architects Kuhn Riddle presented their proposal and attendees had the opportunity to meet CitySpace members. 

CitySpace was awarded a Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Grant to go towards an architect’s design of the second floor of Easthampton’s old Town Hall to design a publicly accessible flexible performing arts space. The organization has been working closely with selected firm Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst, MA, on this third phase in the organization’s plan to revitalize Easthampton’s old Town Hall.

Aelan Tierney of Kuhn Riddle Architects said, “This project is especially meaningful for Kuhn Riddle Architects because Easthampton is a part of our community. Being able to do work that will benefit our friends and neighbors gives us deep satisfaction. We are sincerely grateful to be a part of the process and look forward to the next steps which will make this project a reality.”

CitySpace’s goal is to create a multi-use 250-seat performance space that will be available for use by the community for performances and events. In addition, the second floor grand hall requires installation of an elevator to make it ADA compliant and accessible to the public. Kuhn Riddle has created an extensive design that includes design of the elevator, entry, office, storage, and performance space.

Ed Check President of City Space says, “Easthampton has an architectural gem many residents haven’t seen because it has been closed to the public for decades. The second floor of the old Town Hall was once a grand assembly room, but today’s codes and standards prevent the community from using this beautiful room. CitySpace hopes to change this soon by presenting design and engineering plans to the public and building support for the second floor renovation.”