Last week, the Strand Center for the Arts turned to the North Country community to help fundraise $175,000 to make critical elevator repairs to make the arts center more accessible.
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) responded days later with capital funding he was able to secure for the repairs.
“Assemblyman Billy Jones showed up to our Arts Center and said to me, “I heard you need money” and then shared he was able to secure the full $175,000 in funds needed to repair our elevator. I was shocked and completely overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Megan Charland, artistic programming director. “It truly has been heartbreaking not being handicap accessible and I am so incredibly relieved that this much-needed repair can now happen.”
While in the midst of planning the “Raise the Roof” capital campaign launch, to make critical repairs around the arts center building, the elevator in the arts center suddenly suffered a catastrophic failure and has been out of service since.
After receiving the repair quote from the elevator company, the Strand learned that the repairs needed are much more expensive than were originally quoted, sparking the need to raise $175,000 to repair the elevator. This much-needed repair helps the Strand continue to support equitable community access to art studios and classroom spaces, support programming equipment & supply storage needs, and keep the arts center ADA compliant.
“The arts are such an important part of our daily lives, and it is so important to support organizations like The Strand Center for the Arts that make sure everyone has access to the arts in our communities,” Assemblyman Jones said. “I am proud to have secured funding to help The Strand repair their elevator so that they can continue to make art accessible for all.”
Campaign Goals
The elevator repairs were a part of a larger overarching project to replace and repair crucial elements of the Strand facility, including the roof, gutter system, windows, doors, boiler system, and repair of the elevator in the arts center.
These upgrades are essential for maintaining a safe, functional, and inspiring environment for artists, patrons, and the community at large.
“It’s with our deepest gratitude that we thank Assemblyman Billy Jones for this gracious gift to our Organization and the community we serve; Losing the elevator in the midst of an already daunting campaign to secure our nearly 100 year old property at 23 Brinkerhoff St. was devastating,” said Tom McNichols, Strand Board of Trustees President. “This gift from the Assemblyman immediately, and significantly, shifts our ability to rehabilitate access for all and redirect resources toward other critical matters.”
How to Contribute
If you would like to contribute to the campaign, visit StrandCenter.org to make a donation online or email Kailey@StrandCenter.org for information on making a direct contribution.