|
Highly visible from its prominent location
atop North Hill at the intersection of Route 151-the old Post
Road, and former Portland to Boston delivery route, and Route
111, the Hall is a wood framed structure of the Victorian Period
that is remarkably original and structurally sound. Adjacent to
the Town Common established in 1742 and distinguished bandstand,
and the United Church of Christ circa 1761- the Hall's
construction was influenced by the Italianate, Mansard, and
Stick styles of the period. The structure has 2 main floors,
with a full basement and a full walk-up attic, which is topped
by a Mansard roof and a cupola centered over the main entrance.
The FOCH contracted with the noted architectural firm, JSA,
Inc., of Portsmouth in developing conceptual plans that allows
for complete modernization of the building while reserving the
original structure, charm and integrity.
Centennial Hall is opening its doors
once again to community programming, thanks to on-going renovations.
Already, FOCH has accomplished many critical exterior repairs as
well as interior improvements, creating actively-used tenant space
on the building's lower floors. Our major milestones to date have
included: preparing the first floor for occupancy and active use as
dance and music studios; restoring a large portion of the slate and
copper roof, making the building watertight; replacing the dormer
windows; re-creating the original belfry and setting it atop the
tower on Old Home Day 2001; gaining use of the basement; installing
new front doors which are replicas of the originals; re-building and
roofing the original canopy over the front entrance; and completely
restoring the building's largest window, located over the front
doors. Soon, a new septic system will be installed in cooperation
with the neighboring United Church of Christ.
Upcoming completion of repairs to
Centennial Hall's historic exterior will mark the end of the first
phase of FOCH's plan for its renaissance: with a weather-tight
exterior and tenant spaces leased for arts education, FOCH will have
met its early goals for building function, cash flow and
programming. From this modest, sustainable base, FOCH will soon be
ready to launch work to re-open the Auditorium, which is key to
realizing its ultimate programmatic goals. |
|
To support its goals for
Centennial Hall, FOCH has secured major renovation funding through
the highly competitive State Land and Community Heritage Investment
Program (LCHIP). Plans are in place for a capital campaign to raise
funds to match and exceed the $116,258 LCHIP award designated for
restoring and painting the exterior of the building, FOCH is
coordinating support for its capital campaign through its new
outreach initiative, Celebrating the Community Spirit, which
encompasses increased media coverage, website launch, new building
and event signage, special events programming and data base
development.
|
