CitySpace, the nonprofit organization that has managed Easthampton’s Old Town Hall since 2006, was awarded a long-term lease from the City of Easthampton.

The 44-year lease qualifies CitySpace to access funding opportunities including historic tax credits and grant funding. CitySpace’s goal is to create a multi-use ~350 seat space on the 2nd floor that will be available for performances and events. To make the 2nd floor ADA compliant and accessible to the public, it is required that an elevator be installed. Cost estimates for the full project from construction to the elevator, new entryway, and facility equipment are estimated close to $6,000,000. With prior funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, Easthampton Community Preservation Act Funds, and CitySpace, Kuhn Riddle Architects have completed the design and cost documents for the 2nd floor readying it for the bidding process.

S2152 – Signed Parchment by CitySpace on Scribd

CitySpace and the City of Easthampton cooperated to see that a bill was passed through the legislature. State Bill No. 2152, signed by Governor Baker, authorizes Easthampton’s Mayor and City Council to lease the historic property in order to facilitate a flexible and accessible performing arts space in Easthampton. After CitySpace was selected through an RFP process, the terms of the lease were negotiated with CitySpace and the Mayor of Easthampton, Nicole LaChapelle. With the long-term lease, CitySpace is now fully maintaining the building with plans to restore the 2nd floor.

“This is a significant accomplishment for CitySpace. For many years we have envisioned the Old Town Hall becoming a hub for the arts with respect to the historic integrity of the structure — and have been establishing that vision throughout the entirety of the building,” says Burns Maxey, CitySpace President. “CitySpace successfully invited arts organizations and creative businesses to enliven the first floor. We have restored the entryway, illuminated the towers, and have undergone extensive planning for the next steps to restore the 2nd floor. The vision of invigorating the 2nd floor is one step closer to actuality,” she says.

While tenants of the Old Town Hall — Flywheel, Easthampton City Arts, Big Red Frame and Elusie Gallery present programs year-round in Easthampton’s Old Town Hall — the second floor of the historic building remains unused. This project will transform the space while maintaining its historical integrity, creating a new flexible venue unlike any other in the region to enjoy performances, concerts, and community events.

For more information on the project costs, documents and plans for funding and renovation see cityspaceeasthampton.org/transformation.