Wesleyan University Receives Approval For New Arts Facility

=MIDDLETOWN, CT – Wesleyan University will soon have a new arts facility after receiving approval from Middletown’s Planning and Zoning board for site improvements.

On July 26, Middletown Planning and Zoning approved the proposal from Wesleyan University to renovate and make additions to an existing building for a new 19,155 square foot facility and site improvements on five parcels comprising 177, 181, and 195 College Street, 56 Hamlin Street and William Street.

“This project will take a historical building and turn it into something that will have positive impacts on the community,” Commissioner Tyler Eckstrom said.

According to Preservation Connecticut, the building at 56 Hamlin St. is the oldest of the three blocks comprising the former Mohawk Manufacturing Company factor built-in 1850. In 1881 the mill passed to Theodore F. and James B Evans, building and repairers of carriages. In 1957 the Mohawk Manufacturing Company sold the Hamlin Street plant to Wesleyan University.

The final vote was 6-1, with Commissioners Thomas Pattavina, Shanay Fulton, Richard Pelletier, Sebastian Giuliano, Kelly Sweeney and Eckstorm in favor and Commissioner Catherine Johnson against.

“Over the past 17 years, there have been people who were interested in purchasing this piece of property to develop into residential housing,” Johnson said. “The commission should make a decision not on what is promised today, but what will happen in five years. Wesleyan doesn’t have a talent for handling small, historic buildings.”

According to the application presentation, the new arts facility will have a commons building, performance classroom, rehearsal studio, Bio Lab, Design Studio, Drawing Studio, a support building, parking/service, performance area, landform and two entryways.

“This is going to provide an academic setting for students," Giuliano said. “What the applicant is proposing isn’t unreasonable and is allowed by the zoning code.”

During the meeting on July 26, Joe Banks, representing Wesleyan University, said there were questions and comments from neighbors regarding a concern for noise and their concern for outdoor concerts at the location.

Banks said the university was working on a protocol to alert neighbors if any disturbances are happening and addressing the outdoor concerts. He said the facility is not primarily a performance venue but a teaching facility. The university plans to use the outdoor facilities twice a year, and all performances will be acoustic during the day.

“For parking concerns, the lots at 44 Hamlin St., 37 Broad St. and 45 Broad St. should accommodate Wesleyan University parking,” he stated.