EASTHAMPTON — New lighting, acoustics and an upright piano have helped advance CitySpace as a venue for artists and audiences.
As part of CitySpace’s renovation of the first floor of Old Town Hall, new upgrades have been introduced to improve safety, enhance energy efficiency, and elevate the experience for performers, audiences and staff alike.
Funded through a $52,800 Destination Development Capital Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, matched by contributions form anonymous donors, the project reflects a strong commitment to local investment, with every dollar spent hiring regional businesses.
CitySpace Director Burns Maxey told Reminder Publishing that the efforts for this restoration project have been ongoing. Back in 2014, the first-floor foyer spaces and restrooms were restored and in 2021, the Blue Room opened.
“Much of the initial set up came together on a very limited budget, with older and donated equipment, so, from the start, we knew we’d need to make upgrades as the space grew busier,” said Maxey.
At the heart of the renovation is a new LED stage lighting system in the Blue Room, which is replacing a decades-old rig that once relied on floppy disks and ladders for simple color changes. The updated system is safer, more energy-efficient, and versatile enough to support concerts, theater, dance and a wide range of community gatherings.
The improvements extend beyond just lighting as new acoustic treatments, with a portion donated by Solent Source Acoustics Inc., have enhanced the sound environment, while energy-saving lighting throughout the first floor improves both efficiency and ambiance.
Behind the scenes infrastructure upgrades have also strengthened day-to-day operations, ensuring the building can continue to support the 130-plus events it hosts annually. Aging doors were also replaced along with the addressing of a few other updates that come with caring for a building from 1869.
“These changes have transformed the Blue Room into a true listening room, with better sound, more dynamic lighting, and a warmer, more professional environment for artists, producers and audiences,” shared Maxey.
Adding to these enhancements, the Blue Room now features an upright piano donated by Ann Sitkin. The instrument was made performance-ready with support from CitySpace board member Carol Abbe Smith and fellow musicians and jazz lovers from Carol’s Jazz Night, creating an even more inviting and professional space for artists across disciplines.
“Altogether, CitySpace has invested over a million dollars into the first floor of Old Town Hall, and the impact is really evident. Lighting designers, renters and audience members have commented on how much more welcoming and versatile the space feels,” said Maxey. “These upgrades directly support CitySpace’s mission to establish Old Town Hall as a downtown home for arts and performance, a space where artists can thrive and people can come together.”
A project still ongoing inside Old Town Hall is the Phase 2 elevator and entryway project. The project broke ground in July and Maxey was happy to share that this project continues to move forward on schedule with Keiter Corporation leading construction, and Kuhn Riddle Architects guiding design, with a knowledgeable CitySpace team.
“Visitors will notice the temporary accessible ramp in front of the building, which allows us to keep the first floor open, so yes, Big Red Frame, the ECA Gallery, and CitySpace all remain open throughout the process,” said Maxey.
With safety fencing and scaffolding in place, excavation and utility rerouting have been completed and the next step will be installing specialized deep foundation supports that will anchor the new entryway securely to the ground.
Once that’s complete, excavation and structural work will continue. The full project is expected to take just over a year with 100% completion expected in early fall 2026.
Following this phase’s completion will be Phase 3, the final step of building out the 350-seat performing arts venue on the second floor.
“Our building team is reviewing and updating plans first developed in 2018, while also preparing for the reality that construction costs have risen. Still, the goal remains unchanged, to restore Old Town Hall as a permanent home for the arts in Easthampton, fostering creativity and affordability,” said Maxey.
While construction ramps up on the building’s new elevator and entryway, the first-floor remains open and renovations ensure that the 156-year-old landmark remains a vibrant, safe and welcoming part of the community today, even as CitySpace looks ahead to the restoration of the upper floors.
“This building belongs to all of us. It’s Easthampton’s civic landmark and a place where the arts can thrive for generations. They don’t make buildings like this anymore — sturdy, beautiful, built to last. And, if we want to keep our treasures, we have to invest in them and take care of them,” Maxey said. “This is our moment to shape the future — to turn a historic building into a lasting engine for creativity, connection and economic vitality in the heart of downtown. I encourage people to be a part of it and join in with the hundreds of others who champion the Old Town Hall restoration.”
