Project Overview
Our vision for the Norwich Grange Hall is to provide a place where people of all income levels, ages, backgrounds, and tenure in Norwich and the Upper Valley – can come together as one. To accomplish this vision, the restored Norwich Grange Hall will serve as an inclusive gathering place– hosting crucial community-building activities and services.
Goals
To create a thriving community center in a renovated, accessible, energy-efficient building that retains the historic character of the Grange—a space where residents and other local groups can gather for meals, celebrations, performances, and other events that build community.
To create a self-sustaining space which will allow the Norwich Community Collaborative to thrive and care for this building going forward.
To create an organization that will serve as a hub for Norwich’s nonprofits and volunteer organizations, improving communication, increasing volunteerism, and supporting collaborations.
Project Phases
Pre-Development
10/23 – 2/24
Building assessment, code assessment, system inspection, organizational capacity, stakeholder & grantor meetings
Status: ✔️ Complete
Phase 1
05/24 – 12/24
Porch re-build, capital campaign planning & launch
Status: Grants received; Work with fundraising consultant in process
Phase 2
Begin Spring 2025
A restored, energy-efficient interior with a commercial kitchen, dining hall, and upstairs meeting space with a stage along with structural repairs and restoration of historic architectural features.
Status: Grant writing in process
Phase 3
Begin Spring 2026
A rear addition with critical ADA accessibility upgrades (including a limited use/limited application elevator) and ADA accessible bathrooms.
Status: Design in porcess
Project Budget
The total estimated cost of the renovation is $1.6 million. We plan to raise approximately half the funds for this project through grants and tax credits, and the other half through foundation and individual contributions in an $800,000 capital campaign.
The Norwich Community Collaborative has been meeting with state, and federal grantmakers as well as local foundations to develop a project that fits with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. We have already received significant grants from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation, the 1772 Foundation, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and the Preservation Trust of Vermont among others.
