Another step forward
Earlier this year, Klinkhart Hall Arts Center received its second Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the signature grant program of the Preservation League of New York State. The Technical Assistance Grant Program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Building on last year’s building condition survey, which was also funded by the Preservation League, the new grant will support a feasibility/reuse study. Its goal is to work with a preservation architect to determine how the building can be reconfigured to accommodate the programming envisioned for the Arts Center, while still preserving the historic character of the building.
In preparation for this study, the Klinkhart board of directors made a field trip on July 8 with architect Mark Thaler to Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs and Hubbard Hall in Cambridge NY. The purpose of the trip was to discuss with staff at both locations some of the issues faced as they have sought to oversee the rehabilitation of the facilities and develop programming that is suitable for their building and their communities. Both visits provided a great deal of background for the board as they approach their study. The key event supported by the grant will be a day-long brainstorming and planning meeting with the architect, scheduled for August 3, 2017.
This new study will move us one big step closer to realizing our goal of a home for the arts in Sharon Springs. we’ll keep you posted on our progress!