NCAT – 33 Hawley Central BusinessNorthampton Community Arts Trust
33 Hawley Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
NCAT – 33 Hawley Street Renovations
April 8, 2015
Project OVERVIEW
Organization Description: The Northampton Community Arts Trust (NCAT) has purchased the
property at 33 Hawley Street in Northampton. NCAT envisions a downtown Northampton with art
at its center, including a diversity of spaces that can incorporate a range of artistic activities: a
theater, galleries, performance areas, workspaces and office space for arts administration.
Adapted from the model of land trusts, the facilities created on property acquired by NCAT
will enter into long-term lease agreements with the organizations, artists and businesses that
occupy and manage the property.
Project Description: The existing building is metal framed with wood deck and slab on grade.
The space at 33 Hawley Street will be capable of hosting art in many forms. To deliver a facility
with low operating costs, the renovations focus on creating a "high performance" energy efficient
building. The goal is to have systems that work together to achieve maximum energy efficiency to
lower building operating expenses. In addition to being a premier space for showcasing the arts,
the Arts Trust facility will be among the most efficient buildings in Western Massachusetts.
• New structural steel frames for the building will allow for maximum flexibility over the life
of the building & for the addition of a full coverage photovoltaic array above the roof.
• A new thermal envelope to greatly reduce heating and cooling loads for the building.
• New HVAC systems will be designed and sized to meet the reduced energy demands.
• New Lighting systems will support the goal of low energy use.
• Renovations include new interior walls, floors, windows, doors, and restrooms. An
elevator will be installed, and the electrical systems will be augmented and upgraded.
Design efforts have been led by Thomas Douglas Architects of Northampton, in consultation with
the Arts Trust Design Committee, theater advisors, Lindgren & Sharples PE for MEP, GNCB
Consulting Engineers PC for structural design and Adin Maynard for envelope consultation.
Construction is expected to commence this spring and be open for events by the end of 2015.