March 11, 2021
EASTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS — bankESB recently pledged financial support totaling $150,000 to CitySpace, the nonprofit arts organization overseeing the restoration and management of Old Town Hall into a center of the arts for the city of Easthampton and western Massachusetts.
In 2006, CitySpace embarked on an effort to create affordable space for arts organizations under one roof in Easthampton’s Main Street historic district. Now, CitySpace is raising funds to convert the unused second-floor hall into a flexible, accessible 350-seat performing arts and community space for performances, concerts, and community events. Renovations also will include a new box office, elevator, entryway, theatrical lighting, and sound and projection systems.
The bank made a $50,000 donation and committed to providing an additional $100,000 once CitySpace approaches its $6.9 million fundraising goal. To date, more than $4 million in grants and contributions have been received, and bankESB President and CEO Matthew S. Sosik hopes the bank’s promise of additional support encourages others in the local business community to support the project and help CitySpace bring it closer to fruition.
“The Old Town Hall is an iconic building in downtown Easthampton, and CitySpace’s efforts will help ensure it remains an important and vibrant part of the arts culture and economic development within our community,” said Sosik. “We’re pleased to make this considerable commitment toward its preservation and welcome others to support CitySpace’s efforts in helping realize Old Town Hall’s full potential.”
“We are honored by the immense gratitude of Old Town Hall’s neighbor, bankESB, for their leading generosity and vision for the future of our community,” said CitySpace President Burns Maxey. “Their confidence in this project fortifies the path for CitySpace to revive Old Town Hall as an arts hub and economic driver for Easthampton and the region.”
In the Photo
(L-R) bankESB President and CEO Matthew S. Sosik and Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Nancy Lapointe; CitySpace President Burns Maxey and Treasurer Michael Tautznik; and bankESB Assistant Vice President and Easthampton Branch Officer Natalie Didonna, Marketing Specialist Cecilia Garrido Amaya, and Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Dena M. Hall.