Announcing the
BUILDING COMPLIANCE & EMERGENCY FUND
To support 15 KIMBALL HILL
(former United Church of Putney & new home of Next Stage)
This project is simple—it is about safety and access to a special place, without which we can’t keep the doors open.
15 Kimball Hill (former United Church of Putney) is an 1841 Greek Revival style church in the village center, now owned by the Putney Historical Society. In 2011 we conducted a feasibility study for turning it into a performing arts center while continuing its historic role as a community gathering place and establishing our office in it. The recommendation was to move forward, and we have partnered with Next Stage Arts Project to do it. Main long range goals: to help revitalize and sustain the slumped local village economy, keep an important landmark alive, and serve the community. The building use partners are many, including Next Stage, Twilight Music, Yellow Barn, Putney Community Suppers, and Transition Putney. The building is in fair to good condition and stable but needs safety and ADA access improvements to continue use while we build toward a larger capital campaign. We have a 5-year plan for a comprehensive rehabilitation/preservation project including a sprinkler system and elevator. This will take time. …
… But right now we have an immediate “Building Compliance & Emergency” project to keep the facility safely in use and make the first floor fully accessible. The work proposed includes construction of a new 2nd floor fire escape & doorway on the rear facade, the repair & reconfiguration of a rotted 1st floor addition to create an ADA compliant restroom, widening two 1st floor doorways & reconfiguring the 2nd floor stage for the paths of travel, and the creation of an emergency reserve fund to address urgent building needs during this interim period.
The immediate work is estimated to cost $30,000.
We have applied for grants, but local fundraising is a crucial part of the picture. Your contribution will help us keep the lights on and move boldly forward.
The Putney Historical Society needs you on board.