Vineyard Preservation Trust's application for support for the Grange Hall Structural Integrity/Foundation Project

Project Title: Grange Hall Structural Integrity / Foundation
Applicant/Contact Person: Nevette Previd, Vineyard Preservation Trust
PO Box 5277 Edgartown, MA 02539;
nevette@mvpreservation.org; 508-627-4440

Project Category: 
This application requests Phase II funding for the Grange Hall Structural Integrity, Foundation, and Roof Project, categorized under Historic Resources Preservation. Constructed in 1859 by the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, Grange Hall occupies a central place in the heart of the Island. Across generations, it has functioned as a vital center for agriculture and commerce. Today, the Grange still aligns with preservation criteria, as it is a vibrant resource to people across the Island as a gathering place and center for arts, performances, film and culture. The historic Hall plays a vital role in preserving the cultural and historical fabric of Up-Island, imbuing our residents' daily lives with a deep sense of place and enrichment.
Funding Scope: 
The Grange Hall Project is estimated to cost $3 million and will be completed in four phases from 2022 to 2026. We are currently seeking $150,000 in funding from the Chilmark Community Preservation Fund to support Phase II of the Grange Hall Structural Integrity / Foundation / Roof Project. Phase II has an estimated cost of approximately $1.1 million. The roof part of Phase II has been funded by CPA funds from the Town of West Tisbury in 2023. The roof, insulation, and foundation must be addressed concurrently during the same stage to safeguard the integrity of the building's structure. The foundation work is crucial for preserving the iconic structure for the next century, and the additional usable space will serve as a valuable community asset, in compliance with the Grange Hall deed. Importantly, these foundation improvements will not alter the historic appearance of the Grange. The only addition will be lightwells that will be discreetly concealed by landscaping, providing natural light to the basement area. 
Overall Grange Hall Project Phases:
● Phase I: Architecture/Engineering Plans/Accessibility/Structural Integrity Upgrades (2nd floor) - 2022/2023
● Phase II: Structural Audit/Roof/Insulation/Foundation - 2023/2024
● Phase III: Exterior Envelope/Energy Efficient Mechanical Systems/Safety Upgrades/Historic Detail Restoration - 2024/2025/2026
● Phase IV: Commercial Kitchen (To Be Determined)
To secure funding for the project, the Vineyard Preservation Trust will continue its efforts to obtain local and state grants, as well as private donations. Additionally, in collaboration with Circuit Arts, the Trust has initiated the Friends of Grange Hall campaign to secure the necessary funding for Phase II and subsequent phases of this comprehensive rehabilitation and restoration of the historic landmark. For further details, please review the attached documents, including an itemized substantiation for Phase II costs, a detailed professional cost estimate for the foundation from Trademark LLC, an outline of all funding  sources for the project (both CPA and non-CPA sources), and an overview of project expenses to date. Secured sources and amounts of all funds for the Project:
Phase I (2022/2023):
● Mass Cultural Council: $200,000
● Friends of Grange Hall: $130,000
● CPA West Tisbury Community Preservation Funds: $235,000
● Other sources (completed)
*See the 2 Circuit Arts commitment letters attached Pending sources and amounts of all funds for the Project: 
Phase II (2024/2025):
● Grants:
● CPA Chilmark Community Preservation Funds: $150,000
● CPA West Tisbury Community Preservation Funds: $150,000
● CPA Aquinnah Community Preservation Funds: $75,000
● 1772 Foundation Funds: $10,000
● Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund: $200,000
● Other grants (TBD)
● Campaigns:
● Friends of Grange Hall: $250,000
Phases III (2024/2025/2026) Funding will also be pursued through grants and the Friends of Grange Hall campaign.
Phase IV (TBD) Funding will also be pursued through grants and the Friends of Grange Hall campaign.
Goals: 
Our project has specific objectives focused on safeguarding the Grange Hall's safety, enhancing its energy efficiency, and fortifying its structural integrity, thereby ensuring its continued role as a vital community gathering and event venue for generations to come. Given the consistent use, deferred maintenance, and the imperative need for compliance with current building codes, the Grange necessitates extensive restoration encompassing stabilization, modern safety enhancements, and energy-efficient upgrades. We are seeking Chilmark Community Preservation Fund support to preserve this historic landmark for the benefit of our local community, non-profit organizations, and the arts and the community at large. The Grange Hall holds profound significance for our Island community, particularly the Up-Island towns. It  boasts a rich historical legacy as the agricultural epicenter from the late 1800’s to the mid-1900’s, a heritage we hold dear. It remains a beloved focal point, once home to the Island's premier farmers market, which celebrated Up-Island produce and bridged the gap between our agricultural heritage and farm-to-table traditions. Our request for structural support is pivotal to ensure the Grange's preservation and long-term stability. It seeks to expand our community space, addressing historical issues including inadequate heating and the constraints of the existing barn structure. This restoration initiative will create a comfortable, year-round environment for family, youth activities and non-profit utilization. The project's success hinges on three core objectives: stabilizing the building, ensuring the building's life safety, and making it usable year-round. The new foundation will secure the structure and provide a safer, more functional space. Ultimately, our measure of success will be when our community fully embraces the Grange Hall as a year-round hub of activity, ensuring this landmark remains in public use for another 150+ years.
Community Need and Support: 
The community's need for the Grange Hall is deeply rooted in its historical significance and its role as a central hub for the Island's agriculture, commerce and as a gathering place for over 150 years. Today, it continues to serve as a versatile venue for a wide range of local community events, festivals, films, performing arts, and cultural activities. Notably, the second floor houses Circuit Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to Island-based film and performing arts. With an impressive calender of over 180 annual events, with 95% originating from the Island itself, the Grange collaborates with numerous organizations, including the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival, MV Community Services, MV Community Foundation, Harbor Homes, Vineyard Conservation, Island Autism, Island Grown Initiative, Artisans Festival, MV Charter School,
Antique Show, and World Market Mondays, among others. The Grange also hosts weddings, celebrations, film screenings, art exhibitions, fundraisers, speaker series, and meetings, contributing significantly to the community's identity and cohesion.
The proposed structural integrity and foundation project aligns seamlessly with the Chilmark Preservation Committee's objectives by serving the public's interests, while also aligning with goals related to historic resource preservation and energy efficiency. This proposal ensures the safe and continued use of a crucial historic structure, in harmony with Chilmark's master plan to safeguard historic sites and achieve energy-related objectives. Throughout the project's development, the Vineyard Preservation Trust has actively engaged with the Island community. They organized two public listening sessions and welcomed input and suggestions from the public, which overwhelmingly expressed support for the project. The community's backing has been exceptional, underscoring the urgent need for a year-round
public space. Circuit Arts' presence further enhances community ties by offering diverse cultural experiences throughout the year. Preserving the historical integrity of the structure, improving energy
efficiency, and maintaining its aesthetic appeal all contribute to sustaining community programming, benefiting both residents and visitors. The Grange Hall Project enjoys endorsement from neighbors, including the West Tisbury Congregational Church, the West Tisbury Library, and the Field Gallery, as well as the Town of West Tisbury, the West Tisbury Historic Committee, neighboring residents, and various
community organizations. It is fully authorized and supported by the Vineyard Preservation Trust's Board of Trustees, who are the owners of the Grange Hall, and maintains a strong partnership with its long-term tenant, Circuit Arts. The Vineyard Preservation Trust, as a private nonprofit entity, has an impressive track record spanning 48 years in owning and managing 20 of the Island's most iconic landmarks for public use. This history underscores their commitment to acquiring, restoring, and maintaining historic properties for the benefit of the community.
Timing: 
The Vineyard Preservation Trust started the Grange Hall Project in January 2022, completing Phase I. Phase II Structural Audit/Roof/Insulation/Foundation is underway to be completed by March 2025. Phase III and IV will aim to be completed by 2026. Due to the structural work that may be required and the volume of community use conducted at the Grange Hall from April - November and considering the weather, it would be ideal to commence work from October - March of each year. If the Trust were to be awarded, we request funds by December 2024.
Itemized Project timeline:
2022/2023
Phase I - Architecture / Engineering Plans/ Accessibility / Structural Integrity Upgrades (2nd floor) - completed in 2022
● Total Cost: $89,079
Overview:
Architectural As-Built Plans, Engineered Site Plan, Wheelchair Lift Replacement, Structural Audit of the 2nd floor, Structure Upgrade of 2nd floor, Cooling System
*see attached for a breakdown Capital Projects expenses 2023/2024
Phase II - Structural Audit / Roof / Foundation
● Total Projected Cost (working): $660,000 Foundation, $235,000 Roof, $100,000 
Insulation, $20,000 Structural = $1.1M
Overview:
Building Envelope & Structural Audit - In Progress (2023)
New Foundation - Fall/Winter 2024/2025
Roof Insulation - Fall/Winter 2024/2025
Roof Replacement - Fall/Winter 2024/2025
Construction/Painting/Repairs
2024/2025/2026
Phase III - Exterior Envelope / Energy-Efficient Mechanical Systems
● Total Projected Cost: TBD
Overview:
Exterior Envelope
● Insulation
● Windows
● Siding
● Reshingle / red cedar shingles
Mechanical Systems
● HVAC system
● Fire suppression
Exterior Repair
● Repair of historic trim
● Exterior painting
● Interior Painting
● Architectural detail restoration
TBD
Phase IV - Commercial Kitchen
● Total Projected Cost: TBD
Overview:
Commercial kitchen upgrade