About us
At CitySpace, we empower artists and the community to innovate and inspire through arts spaces—fostering creativity, collaboration, and a thriving arts ecosystem in Easthampton’s Old Town Hall. We are committed to sharing a most welcoming place in this historic landmark, providing human-centered arts and community performances, programming, exhibitions, and creative spaces for Western Massachusetts. By supporting local artists, providing affordable spaces, attracting visitors, and cultivating cultural experiences, CitySpace plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s creative economy and contributing to the economic development and economic balance of Easthampton and beyond.
Our History
Built in 1869 and dedicated to Easthampton’s fallen Union soldiers, Old Town Hall has long been a central part of the city’s life. This beautiful two-story brick Italianate building once housed city offices and hosted community events like debates, plays, and dances. Today, it’s recognized on the State Register of Historic Places and remains one of Easthampton’s most iconic and beloved buildings.
Main Street has been the heart of Easthampton since 1785, and in 1986 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Main Street Historic District—with Old Town Hall anchoring one end. From 1869 until 2003, Old Town Hall was the center of city government and civic life.
In 2006, the City granted a lease for the building’s first floor to CitySpace, a nonprofit organization founded by Will Bundy, owner of Eastworks, and Ed Check. A year later, CitySpace began leasing space to both nonprofit and for-profit tenants. Big Red Frame was the first tenant, followed by Easthampton City Arts—both of whom remain actively involved in the development of the organization and stewardship of the building. Flywheel Arts Collective also joined as a tenant, contributing to the creative vibrancy in the building before moving out in 2020.
In 2014, CitySpace renovated the first floor, restoring its historic features and adding public amenities. In 2021, CitySpace opened the Blue Room as a flexible venue for performances, community gatherings, and creative expression. In 2022, CitySpace expanded its opportunities in the Blue Room and launched arts programming including the Pay It Forward which serves low-income artists in Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties.
Thanks to a strong partnership with the City, CitySpace signed a 44-year lease in 2019 to preserve, maintain, and increase the use of this historic treasure. Today, CitySpace is leading a campaign to restore the second floor and transform it into a fully accessible performing arts venue. While that work continues, the first floor is already a lively home for arts, creativity, and community connection.
Our Mission
Our mission is to restore, preserve, and manage Old Town Hall as a center for the arts for the City of Easthampton and Western Massachusetts.
Board of Directors
Burns Maxey (President), Nikki Beck (Vice President), Michael Tautznik (Treasurer), Peggy Twardowski (Clerk), Lystra Blake, Steve Baer, Ed Check (Founding Member), Tracey Eller (Tenant rep), Marcia Morrison, Jean-Pierre Pasche (Tenant rep), Melissa Cleary Pearson, Carol Abbe Smith
Staff
Zoë Fieldman, Arts Programming and Venue Manager
Crystal Vazquez, Marketing, & Development Coordinator
Artist Advisory Committee
Phil Acimovic, Stephanie Carlson, Kim Chin-Gibbons, Carolyn Cushing, Darian Gonzalez, Alex Paquin, Myka Plankett, Amber Tanudjaja