U.S. Sen. Ed Markey gave credit to the Easthampton community for its collaborative work in making the renovation of Old Town Hall a reality during his March 7 visit.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis.
EASTHAMPTON — U.S. Sen. Ed Markey made a stop at Easthampton’s CitySpace during a March 7 visit to Western Massachusetts to officially announce a $3.5 million earmark from the federal government to help bring the building’s renovation project to the finish line.
The announcement was shared inside CitySpace’s Blue Room, where members of the monthly CitySpace Bluegrass open jam session played their regularly scheduled gathering for a packed audience there to celebrate the announcement.
The building’s renovation project aims to turn Old Town Hall building into a usable and accessible arts space to serve as an economic anchor for the community’s downtown.
Markey credited the Easthampton community for being at the heart of this project and for their collaboration in turning such an endeavor into a reality.
“The only way to really get something done is to not agonize, but to organize, and that’s what Burns [Maxey, the CitySpace president] and everyone up here has done. Just keep going, insistently, persistently, consistently, every single day, and that’s real leadership, and that’s what Easthampton has and what CitySpace has had, for all these years, because you have breathed modern life into this historic structure. You have transformed a stranded municipal asset into an anchor of the local economy and a hub for community initiatives,” said Markey. “We have a place which is going to unleash creativity in all of the coming generations of the 21st century in Easthampton. What a gift to pass on and pass down. Today is a testament of the good that can come from partnership.”
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey gave credit to the Easthampton community for its collaborative work in making the renovation of Old Town Hall a reality during his March 7 visit. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
CitySpace President Burns Maxey and Treasurer Mike Tautznik thanked all the collaborators on the restoration project, including U.S. Sen. Markey for this latest $3.5 million earmark. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
CitySpace President Burns Maxey and Treasurer Mike Tautznik thanked all the collaborators on the restoration project, including U.S. Sen. Markey for this latest $3.5 million earmark. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby shared much gratitude and excitement regarding the restoration project. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
tate Rep. Homar Gomez highlighted the commitment of Burns Maxey and Mike Tautznik for their vision and passion behind the project. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and CitySpace President Burns Maxey chat prior to the press conference. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
CitySpace Bluegrass met for their monthly jam session inside the Blue Room and performed for the packed house prior to and following the announcement. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
CitySpace Bluegrass met for their monthly jam session inside the Blue Room and performed for the packed house prior to and following the announcement. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
A look at the second floor space, which will be renovated into a 350-seat venue during phase three of the building’s renovation work. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
A look at the second floor space, which will be renovated into a 350-seat venue during phase three of the building’s renovation work. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis.
The earmark will go toward phase three of the building’s renovation project, specifically the renovation of the second floor of the Old Town Hall building into a 350-seat venue. The project is currently in the middle of phase two, which involves adding an elevator and entrance way to make the 157-year-old building fully accessible.
Phase one of the project included installation of a new HVAC system, upgraded wiring, a new fire exit and renovation of the first floor.
As he finished his remarks, Markey called on the bluegrass musicians to lead the room to a rendition of “This Land Is Your Land” and said this celebration was a good reminder of “true America.”
“In this moment when our democracy is being tested every day, each of you is reminding us this evening of what really matters. And that’s what we are here to celebrate,” said Markey. “When you write, when you paint, when you make music, when you perform, you aren’t simply creating culture, you are protecting memory, and dignity and truth. And when you protect those things, you are protecting the community itself. And I’m going to continue to stand, shoulder to shoulder, with your leaders, with you, and the artistic patriots today to speak up for the Easthampton community.”
The funding is part of $124.58 million in federal earmarks going toward 116 community projects across the state.
Maxey was joined by CitySpaceTreasurer and former Easthampton Mayor Mike Tautznik. Both thanked partners on the project and the community at large for their support in the effort.
“For 20 years, CitySpace has worked alongside the city of Easthampton, local partners, artists, volunteers and supporters to bring new life to Old Town Hall,” said Maxey. “What was once a civic building is now a place for exhibitions, performances and community gathers. The progress we are celebrating today brings us closer to realizing the full vision for this Old Town Hall.”
Tautznik called the building’s soon-to-be-renovated second floor “a diamond in the rough” and said the building’s restoration is a culmination of community action and vision.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching this building evolve over many years, actually all of my life,” said Tautznik. “It’s just remarkable, the momentum that has led us to here and the momentum that’s around this project to bring this wonderful building back to real life and real public purpose.”
Maxey added that the arts are a powerful driver for not only the local Easthampton economy, but across the state.
“In Massachusetts, arts and culture generate $29.7 billion in economic value and support more than 135,000 jobs. But the impact really goes far beyond that. It’s about the people and the lives and the impact that it has,” said Maxey. “We are deeply grateful for Sen. Markey, Sen. [Elizabeth] Warren, and our entire Massachusetts congressional delegation for their leadership and support.”
Mayor Salem Derby said that, as someone who’s been aware of this project for years, dating back to his time as a city councilor, it was amazing to see it move closer to the finish line thanks to this most recent funding boost.
“This building, it does have a history, and that history is just getting started. And I think in order to make that happen, you need to have a team of people that are committed, and it’s so amazing to see the team that has come together in Easthampton to support CitySpace and Old Town Hall,” said Derby. “As we move into the future, seeing all those partners playing together, becoming something greater than the sum of their parts, is so amazing, and it’s amazing for Easthampton because everywhere I go … people are like, ‘Wow, Easthampton has arrived.’ And I’m like, well, we’re just getting started.”
State Rep. Homar Gomez thanked Maxey and Tautznik for their leadership in making this project a reality before also crediting Markey’s role through this latest earmark.
“The vision that they have is incredible, it’s good, and it’s needed for our community. Without those two, we don’t have a place like this today,” said Gomez. “We have $3.5 million today because we have the best advocate in Washington, and his name is Sen. Markey. I can’t ask for a better partner in Washington than this gentleman here. Accessible, realistic, and he has more energy than me.”
