What’s New
$750,000 is needed for Barn development. As the pandemic recedes, Island Arts is restarting the funding campaign and refreshing priorities for restoration and expansion.
New Development Phase III: 2022-2025
Much work remains to make this beautiful Barn operational as a year-round community arts center. Its structure is sound, but the barn has no indoor plumbing, insulation, heating, or fans. The big old roof needs replacing, and electric wiring is limited. Outdoor performances are constrained by lack of a stage. There is no pavilion or tent for weather protection. There is no year-round office space.
Priorities are a new roof, insulation, plumbing, heating, electricity, bathrooms, office, and making the space ADA-compliant.
Barn Development Accomplishments to Date
In 2014 the barn was deeded to Island Arts by Anne M. August after completion of structural restoration. Island Arts began development work.
DEVELOPMENT PHASE I: 2014-2019
- Safety items completed; new driveway laid
- Basic house and stage lights installed
- Certificate of Occupancy issued, as a public building
- Permit / approval to present events received
- Water and electric service available on site
- Concert presentation space opened
- Architectural firm selected
- Septic system designed and installed
- Barn painted a signature red that will in time weather to a true historic barn red
- Island Arts signage created and installed
- Preliminary requirements and plans developed
- Essentials and priorities identified: new roof, insulation, electrical, ADA bathrooms and accessibility, an outdoor stage and classrooms, a café
- Capital Campaign Funding Goal established at $750,000
- Downstairs infrastructure framed, adding a classroom
- Green fence of 100+ trees planted on north and south for beauty and to protect neighbors from lights and noise
DEVELOPMENT PHASE II: 2020-2021
- Progress interrupted by the pandemic
- Milk House made critter-proof for storage
- Office space now urgent as North Hero Community Hall no longer available
- Pandemic continues. Building materials hard to find and spiral in cost
Interested in helping or learning more?
Please contact us via email or call (802) 372-8889.
