23 September, 2014
The Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ renovation and expansion is well underway at 98 Hayden Rowe Street, and supporters hope to raise the remaining $350,000 needed to pay for it before the end of the year.
When it’s completed, the arts complex will house gallery, classroom and performance spaces. The new wing, located behind the historic barn, will include an entryway and atrium-style lobby, offices, a gallery, a kitchen, restrooms and a 200-seat theater. A farmer’s porch and healing garden are also planned. The HCA’s goal is to present the new center to the Town of Hopkinton in time for the town’s 300th anniversary in 2015.
The arts organization is introducing opportunities this fall for people to donate at any level. It is reviving its “Paint the Town” campaign from last year, which decorates the mailboxes of donors who give any amount, large or small. For those capable of a large contribution, the HCA is planning a Founders Wall, a special place at the new center that will recognize those who donate $5,000 or more. And within a few weeks the HCA will announce details of a naming program, enabling donors to sponsor furnishings around the new center. The goal is to raise the last $350,000 to complete the renovation by the end of this year.
With most of the $1.9 million needed for the renovation already funded, work on the 19th century barn and the new addition behind it has been going along at a brisk clip. The foundation for the addition is in place; framing for the new lobby and performance center will begin in about a month. The new parking lot will be installed over the next few weeks. Construction crews are also transforming the inside of the barn into a learning center.
Two large donations last spring were a big boost to the HCA’s capital campaign. In June, the HCA received a $450,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Shortly afterwards it received $100,000 more from Hopkinton residents Kevin and Sandra Delbridge. Before those gifts, the HCA had raised $1 million, including $500,000 in private donations through the Hopkinton Community Endowment, $250,000 from Community Preservation Act funding and $247,000 from the New England Center for Performing Arts.
The renovation will fulfill a vision that began in 1996, when the town of Hopkinton purchased the land at Hayden Rowe Street. Five local artists asked the town to allow them to use the farmhouse, barn and outbuildings on the property for cultural purposes. The artists created the Cultural Arts Alliance and set a goal of restoring the barn and creating a cultural hub for Hopkinton residents.
To donate and help the HCA finish the new addition, visit hopartscenter.org. Donations are tax-deductible.
