Businesses continue to step up in support of the transformation of Easthampton Old Town Hall into a center of the arts for Western Massachusetts. Recent donations from October Company and subsidiaries: Chemetal and Adhesive Applications, Taylor Real Estate, and Polish National Credit Union have extended from $2,500 to $50,000.

Momentum for the project accelerates as CitySpace looks close the gap of the campaign by the end of 2022. The generous gifts including $50,000 from the October Company and subsidiaries: Chemetal and Adhesive Application will go towards restoring the unused second-floor 3500 square-foot hall into a flexible, accessible 350-seat performing arts and community space for performances, concerts, and community events. Renovations also will include a new box office, elevator, entryway, theatrical lighting, and sound and projection systems. Beginning with Old Town Hall’s first floor, CitySpace embarked on an effort to create affordable space for arts organizations and creative businesses under one roof in the city-owned building.

Last year, bankESB made a $50,000 donation and committed to providing an additional $100,000 once CitySpace approaches its $6.9 million fundraising goal. With that challenge, regional business support continues to build.

Taylor Real Estate, a proud member of the Easthampton community for over 65 years made a multi-year contribution and pledge to CitySpace. “We are thrilled to see the Old Town Hall not only be restored, but transformed to an inclusive space, supporting local arts and the community as a whole,” expressed Megan Conner Dragon of Taylor Real Estate. She continues, “One of our core values is giving back to it. We are proud to support the transformation of this historical focal point, and look forward to seeing the benefits to Easthampton and the surrounding communities.”

In the past year, CitySpace restored and opened the Blue Room, its first floor performance and events space that offers affordable rental opportunities for artists and community members to incubate their ideas. The 80-seat/175-standing venue serves as an opportunity for the organization to unveil some of its plans that were previously established for the future second floor project. Further, the organization entered its first phase to restore the building by implementing foundational electrical and HVAC upgrades funded in part by the Easthampton Community Preservation Act Committee and the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund. With this progress, the harmonization of the CitySpace’s vision to bring economic stimulus, accessible spaces for the arts, and historic preservation of the Old Town Hall comes together.

In the past year, CitySpace restored and opened the Blue Room, its first floor performance and events space that offers affordable rental opportunities for artists and community members to incubate their ideas. The 80-seat/175-standing venue serves as an opportunity for the organization to unveil some of its plans that were previously established for the future second floor project. Further, the organization entered its first phase to restore the building by implementing foundational electrical and HVAC upgrades funded in part by the Easthampton Community Preservation Act Committee and the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund. With this progress, the harmonization of the CitySpace’s vision to bring economic stimulus, accessible spaces for the arts, and historic preservation of the Old Town Hall comes together.

Jim Kelly, President & CEO of Polish National Credit Union said, “PNCU is incredibly proud to support renovations of the Old Town Hall into CitySpace, where local residents and businesses can utilize a beautifully renovated space for the arts. Not only will this space offer an affordable venue for artists, performers and community members; it will serve as a catalyst for economic development, while preserving a piece of historic Easthampton. As a resident of Western Mass, I am incredibly excited to see progress and know that this project will benefit our area greatly.”

CitySpace seeks further support for the project. Whether businesses donate $500 to sponsor a chair with their business’ name on a plaque or $100,000 to name a newly renovated space in the historic gem, businesses and supporters will be part of the collective effort to plan for Easthampton Old Town Hall’s future with imagination and foresight for the Western Massachusetts region.