OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford
Central Hall, formerly the Adams Art Gallery, is part of the $10 million for downtown Dunkirk from New York state.
Central Hall’s organizers are continuing their community outreach as they seek to transform the former Adams Art Gallery on Central Avenue in Dunkirk.
“We encourage you to share your reflections on what Central Hall means to you and our community. Together, we can build a vibrant, inclusive space for everyone,” the community is asked in the latest mailing. William Haskas, executive director of the Central Hall initiative, shared it with the OBSERVER.
Central Hall is described as “an ambitious project to restore a historic building into a multi-purpose space offering public programming, event rentals, and youth development. This initiative is more than just a renovation; it’s a vision to transform a landmark into a thriving community center for people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Haskas’ release goes on to tout $1.27 million in funding Central Hall has received from the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative for Dunkirk. It’s stated that an additional $20,000 has come from “the generosity of our donors and grants.”
The project is now looking for an additional $140,000 “to activate the DRI grant fully and bring this transformative project to life.”
It’s promised that “Central Hall will buzz with year-round activities, from youth art classes and inspiring exhibitions to jazz concerts and theater performances. It’s a space where everyone, adults and kids, can explore, create, and connect.”
Central Hall plans to partner with Dunkirk’s Kids at Promise group to offer “dynamic youth programs from day one. With support from the Dunkirk Library and Cornell Cooperative Extension, our workshops and classes will spark creativity and growth in our community.”
The plan is that “Central Hall will be a welcoming space for all — whether for community events, celebrations, or simply gathering with friends. With 2,000 square feet of bright, versatile space, it’s perfect for everything from weddings, reunions and class reunions to cultural events.”
Volunteers are sought for two events in September. One is a garden party, to be held on an unspecified date, to landscape and garden Central Hall’s exterior. The other is a town hall event, the date also not yet set.
The community is also asked to partake in a “Capture the Past, Shape the Future” event. “Share your photos and stories of Central Hall. Help us create a collective scrapbook celebrating this building’s rich history.” The deadline for submissions is Sept. 13.
Finally, Central Hall seeks volunteers for social media content management, administrative support, and carpentry.
Central Hall’s website is www.centralhallcc.org. Haskas can be reached at admin@centralhallcc.org or (917) 992-5318.
First Ward Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak shared her thoughts on Central Hall’s importance: “A thriving community centers around a dynamic cultural hub that fosters inclusivity, creativity, and connection. I am eager to experience a space where diverse voices are heard, ideas are exchanged, and collective growth thrives, building a stronger community for all.”
Central Hall rose from the ashes of another Adams Art Gallery reuse initiative. That one, called simply the Adams, was done in by bad timing: the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated business downturn froze it, just when it was starting to pick up steam.
The building, across Sixth Street from the Dunkirk Library, is in questionable condition. Notably, it badly needs a new roof. Many windows are broken; one large one on the Sixth Street side is completely gone, the space closed up with a makeshift structure.
The structure sports “no occupancy” signs placed by the city code enforcement office in August 2021.