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Date: 12/5/2023
EASTHAMPTON — The Eastampton City Council recently unanimously approved $878,000 in Community Preservation Act funding to move forward the renovation project at the old city hall, now revitalized as CitySpace.
“The bidding of Phase II elevator and entryway this past summer showed an escalation of costs and the bids came in higher than expected based on our architects’ estimates,” explained Burns Maxey, president of CitySpace. “With Phase I completed and the Easthampton City Council unanimously voting for the CPA’s confirmation of releasing the additional $878,000, we are headed in the right direction to make the building fully accessible.”
The original cost estimate of the total project of $6.9 million was made before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Both COVID-19 and recent inflation significantly raised construction costs and have brought about supply chain issues. The project is now expected to cost about $10.9 million.
“However, I believe this to be a feasible and worthy project,” said Maxey. “We are removing barriers to human and community potential by revitalizing a centrally-located historic building that will not only provide economic renewal on Main Street but improve the quality of life and enhance the quality of place for our Western Massachusetts regional community.”
Phase I cost about $500,000 to provide systems to update the rest of the building. Phase II will cost about $3.9 million to complete. Phase III will complete a 350-seat performing arts venue on the second floor. This venue will also be available for community gatherings.
“While we work towards restoration, the building is already vibrant, full of life with performances and offers a place for community and belonging,” said Maxey. “CitySpace hosted over 130 shows and events over the past year.”
CitySpace will keep things rolling into the new year with performances such as Jay Sefton’s “Unreconciled,” Queer Community Theatre’s presentation of “Bar Dykes,” and Alex Paquin’s “Falling in Love During a Pandemic,” and “Waking Up in Reality.”
“All of these events are part of our Pay It Forward Program that offers artists complimentary venue access, stipends and access to resources and skill-building opportunities,” noted Maxey.