Guild Hall Is Getting A Make-Over For Its 90th Birthday

Guild Hall, located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton, has launched a $10 million capital campaign, in celebration of its 90th Anniversary (1931-2021), to bring the institution to the next level.

As Guild Hall looks to the future, it has engaged the world’s most sought-after minds to match the physical footprint with the caliber of their artistry: Bran Ferren/Applied Minds, Peter Pennoyer Architects, Hollander Design | Landscape Architects, Ben Krupinski Builder, and Jon Maass and Pamela Torres as owner’s reps.

At this point, Guild Hall has reached 50 percent of its goal thanks to the support of the Board of Trustees and patrons. Of the $10 million, $9 million will be used for building renovations and $1 million will be dedicated to funding cutting-edge programming as well as a reserve fund to ensure Guild Hall’s mission remains uninterrupted for years to come.

“From its inception in 1931, Guild Hall was a gift to the community, designed to enrich the lives of those who live here or come from afar,” said Board Chairman Marty Cohen. “The institution’s prescient founding purpose was to increase civic participation through the arts. The board and I believe it is our responsibility and honor to sustain this powerful mission and modernize our facility for current and future generations.”

“Guild Hall is headed toward a profound transformation from a 90-year-old beloved museum and theater to a one-of-a-kind venue for interdisciplinary arts. It has all the right stuff to succeed — a devoted and talented staff, an unparalleled board, and a community that will rise to the occasion,” said Guild Hall Executive Director Andrea Grover.

“Guild Hall was built by a lead donation from founder Mary Woodhouse, followed by gifts from hundreds of residents who joined forces to ensure that everyone could enjoy art, music, dance, theater, education … the very things that enrich life,” added Director of Philanthropy Kristin Eberstadt. “We are proud to be built and maintained by the generosity of our community and will once again welcome gifts at all levels to help us as we embark on this next phase of growth.”

More about supporting Guild Hall’s 90th Anniversary Capital Campaign can be found online at guildhall.org.

The Interior and Exterior: Create an environment that is welcoming to the community. To help decrease energy consumption, the capital campaign renovation project also includes upgrading/replacing the HVAC system in Guild Hall Museum auxiliary spaces including the theater HVAC filtration system, education space, and staff offices. The priority placed on optimal visibility, improved access, and efficiency will be done without detracting from the character of the historic structure.

The Museum: Enhance the museum experience for artists and patrons through upgraded sound, lighting, and improved accessibility in the galleries, while also designing a system that uses high performance skylights to bring in light with UV filtration, and in turn reduce the need for artificial lighting in daylight hours. Guild Hall’s front outer doors will be adjusted to meet the gallery climate control requirements, maximizing energy efficiency while honoring the beloved exterior.

John Drew Theater and John Drew Backyard Theater: Reimagine the JDT with energy efficient state-of-the-art lighting and special effects, creating a flexible space that will set the stage for an array of performances and experiences both indoors and out, providing an unparalleled theatrical experience for guests.

Boots Lamb Education Center: Reconfigure the education center into a modern and adaptable space with the latest technology, including the addition of a media lab to teach local youth the valuable skills needed to enter the growing digital workforce.

Guild House: Transform the house into a fully accessible, flexible, and optimal environment for visiting artists, artists-in-residence, and patrons.

Staff Offices: Modernize offices to be more energy efficient with a sleek and contemporary design to enhance comfort, collaboration, productivity, and creativity, plus improved airflow and natural light.