Pierce Hall Community Ctr. Group Formed in Rochester

Pierce Hall in Rochester may get a $2 million makeover as a community facility.

If everything goes as planned, historic Pierce Hall in Rochester will become Pierce Hall Community Center, Inc.—home to an exciting array of community and arts events, and home base for several area organizations.

Pierce Hall Community Center, Inc. (PHCC) is a broad-based citizens committee that has been meeting over the past year with the goal of acquiring Pierce Hall, restoring the building, and providing operational support for a community center.

Enthusiasm for the proposed facility was expressed by many of the people from the five towns of Rochester, Hancock, Granville, Stockbridge and Pittsfield who toured Pierce Hall Sept. 26.

History

Built in 1916, the hall was designed by local architect Charles Kinsman and commissioned by Julia and Ellen Pierce in memory of Chester Pierce, Sr. and his son, Edward L. Pierce. The hall was the site of musical and theatrical performances, dances, movies, roller skating, town meetings, school graduations, a bowling alley and numerous other community events.

In 1932, the building was given to Rural Lodge #29 F.A.M. and in 1971, they deeded it to the school district to be used for kindergarten and shop classes, although the Masons continued to meet there, too. When the current high school opened in 1974, the deed was conveyed back to the Masons, who renovated it to suit a more limited usage of space and continued to use it for their meetings.

According to Mason Ricky Andrews, the lodge recently made a decision to sell the building and relocate its meeting place. The Masons have started the appraisal process, and retained Norm Smith to do a survey. Andrews said the Masons were committed to selling the property and would prefer to sell it to PHCC, but if negotiations with PHCC failed, they would have to pursue other buyers.

Five Towns

Schenkman noted that PHCC planned to serve the five-town area and explained that the Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV) was very interested in the Pierce Hall building and project. The committee has retained a professional fundraiser, Christine Graham of Burlington and hired Robson-Bilgen Architects of Hancock to do an architectural feasibility study.

Charlie Biederman explained that several subcommittees had been formed, including a steering committee, public relations, building renovation, cultural arts and fundraising. Before proceeding further with the project, they are doing two feasibility studies, have applied to the Vermont Community Foundation for funding of $10,000 for this phase and are seeking a matching grant from individual corporate contributors.

Zeus and Terry Lary, whose home is located next door to Pierce Hall, have offered their house as a possible new location for the Masonic Lodge. The portion of their property that runs behind the house, Pierce Hall and the Rochester Library could be used for a parking area.

Biederman explained that PHCC had drawn up a draft business plan and estimated that $2 million was the amount needed to get everything up and running. Assuming a go-ahead, the capitol funding campaign would start after Jan. 1 for the purchase and renovation costs.

Schenkman made a point of noting that PHCC will not be funded by town taxes. The organization will establish an endowment plan for perpetuity to pay operating costs for a director, staff, upkeep, etc. The group has filed for 501-C3 status, meaning that all contributions are legal tax deductions for the donors.

The town could decide to exempt the organization from taxes (as they did the Masons) if the group requested it and the voters approved.

Bill Zucca described the building as "an historical gem that needs to be preserved, no matter who owns it."

Dick Robson explained the progress his firm had made with the architectural feasibility study.

John Allen and Midge Scanlan suggested including teens from all five towns on the committees, to participate in planning and be on the Board of Directors.

Several groups, such as the Quintown Senior Center and the Rochester Chamber Music Society, have expressed an interest in using the hall. June Frigault, representing Quintown, said they were looking for new space to expand their lunch program. Pierce Hall’s proximity to Park House is also a plus for them.

Other uses mentioned for the building included a "community school" with various learning opportunities for all ages, a fitness center, a dance studio, a home for after school activities, and theatrical and musical performances.

Bill and Dixie Neil of Rochester have expressed a willingness to do an opera fundraiser and are interested in having an opera center.

Schenkman explained that the committee anticipated five areas of revenue: contributions, event fees, grants, interest (as from endowments) and rental fees.

"The valley has nothing like this now and Pierce Hall is the natural site for a true community center," said Biederman. "We see it as a way integrate the valley towns into a community for the benefit of all ages; with music, learning, fitness, theater, catering of banquets and celebrations.

"The timing is interesting...it was built in 1916, just prior to WWI. It would be nice to think of this project as evidence of a vital American community pulling together, even as we enter an era of world-wide hostility and terrorism. We need stronger communities more than ever."

By Martha Slater