A groundbreaking ceremony was hosted outside of Old Town Hall to mark the next phase of construction for the building that will put in an elevator and accessible entryway to the historic building.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
EASTHAMPTON — A groundbreaking ceremony took place at Easthampton’s Old Town Hall on July 15 as construction is set to begin on the addition of an elevator and accessible entryway to the historic building.
“What a joyful, long-awaited day this is,” said Burns Maxey, president of CitySpace. “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. That deserves a moment of celebration.”
Joining Maxey and her team at CitySpace was acting Easthampton Mayor and City Council President Salem Derby, state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), state Rep. Homar Gomez (D-Easthampton), former Rep. and now Clerk of Courts Dan Carey, former Mayor Mike Tautznik and many other local leaders and individuals involved with the project.
The groundbreaking was to celebrate the second phase of the renovated, resurrected and rejuvenated former Easthampton Town Hall.
Now construction will begin on the long-anticipated elevator and accessible entryway for the building.
The major infrastructure upgrade represents the second phase of CitySpace’s restoration and revitalization project, ensuring the 156-year-old building becomes fully accessible from basement to balcony for the first time since its opening in 1869.
“This incredible building designed by Charles E. Parker and crowned with its 133-foot memorial tower, has stood proudly since 1869. It has seen generations pass through, and today it enters a new chapter, one that’s future focused and deeply rooted in community,” said Maxey. “Today it’s home to local businesses, the arts and meaningful connection. CitySpace is honored to steward this building thanks to the trust of the city of Easthampton, and the dedication of so many over the past 20 years.”
Maxey added CitySpace has been a model of historical renovation since volunteers and supporters coalesced to save and restore the iconic building, with its spires and architecture. CitySpace has become an economic engine and tourist attraction, bringing people to a wide variety of concerts, plays and entertainment.
“Today, as we break ground for the new elevator, we’re doing far more than installing steel and concrete, we’re opening doors — literally and figuratively — to every resident, performer and visitor who will soon access this historic space without barriers. The single future embodies the inclusive spirit that drives Easthampton forward,” said Derby, who became acting mayor at midnight later that day, as the resignation of former Mayor Nicole LaChapelle went into effect.
Designed by Kuhn Riddle architects and designers with an awarded contract given to Keiter Corporation, this $3.9 million project is a key step in transforming Old Town Hall into an inclusive, accessible and vibrant center for the arts in downtown Easthampton. It also lays the groundwork for the future restoration of a 350 seat performing arts venue on the building’s upper level.
Carey credited the collaboration of the people of Easthampton for their effort in this project.
“It’s because of the people of Easthampton. The volunteer organizations that come out on a 95-degree day and recognize that this is important. Not because it’s from the 1800s and wouldn’t it be neat if we kept it around. But because we’re going to change it. We’re going to make it better. We’re going to improve it for our neighbors, our kids, our kid’s kids, for Easthampton and for Western Massachusetts,” said Carey.
Funding for this phase has been made possible through a coalition of private, public and nonprofit supporters, including the Easthampton Community Preservation Act, MassDevelopment, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and bankESB.
Velis also credited the collaboration on this project and gave Maxey much love for her lead in these efforts.
“The leader of this is the epitome of collaboration, so kudos to everyone,” said Velis. “We have a behavioral health crisis in this commonwealth on steroids. And what this does, why that’s relevant, is because any organization, any entity, any physical space that brings people together so folks can sit down and talk and be together, that is pushing back on this mental health crisis that we have right now. And that in it of itself, is a reason to fund this, continue to fund it, and to just enjoy what this project is going to be.”
CitySpace has worked for more than a decade to plan, advocate for and secure funding for this transformation. Volunteers with expertise in architecture, engineering and construction have contributed their time and insight, reinforcing the project’s strong foundation in community engagement.
“People often ask how are you doing this and the answer is beyond the persistence that we have is our mission to restore, preserve and manage Easthampton’s Old Town Hall as a center for the arts in Western Massachusetts,” said Maxey. “It’s simple, it’s straightforward and that’s what we’re doing. We’re saying yes to accessibility. We’re saying yes to climate action. We’re saying yes to creative economic development. The arts here are intentionally affordable in this building. So, everyone across generations and backgrounds can connect through music, performance, exhibitions and gathering. This isn’t just about preserving the past, it’s about shaping a more just, welcoming and vibrant future. They say there’s something in the water here in Easthampton. Whatever it is, Easthampton is rich in generosity. This project reflects the spirit of the city driven by people who care deeply and work passionately to make it better every day.”
