PROJECT DESIGN AND REALIZATION

The Arts Trust conceived of the 25,000 square foot building at 33 Hawley Street as capable of hosting art in many forms, including space for classes, rehearsals, gallery presentations and performances of all kinds. To deliver a facility with low operating costs, the renovations, particularly in the early phases, focused on creating a "high performance" energy efficient building. Such buildings have systems that work together to achieve maximum energy efficiency to lower expenses for heating, cooling, and power. 

• The thermal enclosure, or insulation boundary, is the cornerstone of a high performance building. By adding continuous insulation to the steel-framed building, the Arts Trust greatly reduced conductive energy losses of heated and cooled air through the building shell. 

• Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems were designed and sized to meet the reduced energy demands. Buildings with excellent insulation typically require less complex, and thus less costly, mechanical systems that are easier to maintain.

• Renovations included new interior walls, floors, windows, doors, and restrooms. A freight elevator was installed, and the electrical systems were augmented and upgraded. 

Working closely with Thomas Douglas Architects and D.A. Sullivan and Sons, our Construction Manager, we staged the renovations to 33 Hawley Street, now about 70% complete, in roughly three phases: 

PHASE 1 : TRANSFORMATION

The first step was taking the building as it was when purchased in 2013 — a "metal tent" — and creating a tight, insulated envelope, transforming the structure into one that is highly energy  efficient, low maintenance, with low operating costs. A PV array was donated, which will cover most electricity costs and ensure the affordability of the building in years to come. During this phase, interior demolition defined rough spaces for the main stair, elevator shaft, mezzanine, black box and other spaces.  Phase 1 was completed in the Spring of 2017.

PHASE 2 : UTILIZATION

In Phase 2A, we built out most of the interior spaces supporting presentation, performance, process and rehearsal. These spaces include two large work/classroom studios, a dedicated dance studio, a flexible performance/event space, and an airy, open lobby and mezzanine. By keeping operating costs low, we ensure that these spaces are available to the arts and non-profit community at affordable rates, yet are so attractive and versatile that they also generate revenue from private use. Such revenue underwrites and sustains affordability for arts organizations and individual artists. The two work/classroom studios and the dance studio were complete, and programming began at 33 Hawley, in the Fall of 2017. The lobby/mezzanine and flexible performance/event space were open in Fall 2018, vastly expanding activity in the facility.

As part of Phase 2A, we also made dramatic improvements to exterior areas of 33 Hawley. In the spring of 2019 we transformed the area between the front of the building and the sidewalk into a small plaza with a wide bench/mini stage, stadium seats alongside the stairs to the front entrance, planters and lighting. In the Fall of 2020, we rehabilitated the central section of our parking lot, regrading to eliminate a dangerous pitch, installing lighting, and creating another plaza/courtyard outside our lower level entrance.

Phase 2B, completion of the dedicated art gallery and finishes to the lobby including build out of a concession area and box office, will be undertaken as fundraising allows.

PHASE 3 : IMAGINATION

Phase 3 is the completion of our largest space, the Workroom/Theater, a 3800 square foot black box theater. With input from community members and organizations, we are developing this space as a vessel for the imagination, with a design, outfitting and management structure that will support the widest array of creative work imaginable.

A directed donation funded a conceptual design by award-winning theater architects, as we continue to work with Thomas Douglas Architects. While full realization of this design awaits full funding, the first stage partial build-out, including ventilation, floors and walls, will allow use and occupancy in 2021.

COMPLETION

In March 2022 we were awarded a $2.5 million federal Community Project Funding grant, secured by Congressman Jim McGovern. In March 2022, we were awarded our fifth Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Grant, in the amount of $150,000. These two grants will allow us to substantially complete the renovations to 33 Hawley, including:

Mezzanine Level

- Build catwalk from mezzanine to upper storage area

- Build out of administrative office and storage room above the art gallery

Street level

- Lobby:

• Flooring installation

• Box office build out

• Concession area build out/installation

• Creation of entry to Workroom Theater

• General build out of administrative office/control room for Workroom Theater

- “Flex” Performance/Event Space:

• Acoustic treatments

• Door for alcove

- Art Gallery:

• Construction of storage room below the offices

• General build out including walls, electrical, lighting

• Installation of door between gallery and lobby

• HVAC

Lower level

- Workroom Theater:

• General build out, including walls, electrical, basic lighting

• Mezzanine with storage underneath

• Catwalks and lighting grid

• Sprung wood floor

- Green Space/Storage

• Elimination of corridor

• Green room

• Two dressing rooms

• Restrooms and shower

• Catering staging area

• Two storage rooms

Exterior

• Repaving and re-striping old portions of driveway

• Landscaping and fencing in rear open space

ART PARTNERS

The Northampton Community Arts Trust has three art partners at 33 Hawley Street  - Available Potential Enterprises, Ltd. (A.P.E.), Northampton Center for the Arts (NCFA), and Northampton Open Media (NOM).  Each partner manages its own specific programming and maintains an active presence at Hawley Street, creating a collaborative and dynamic environment for the entire building.

Gallery