What’s New

Phase I below is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.  The Phase I work is being accomplished in two chunks—Phase 1-A and Phase 1-B. Thanks to many generous donors and several grantors, these two phases are nearly funded. The two items yet to be funded are

  • addition of a fully accessible exit and ramp on the north end of the performance space
  • rebuilding of  the south stairwell to be fully safety-compliant.

Phase II will be the addition of a two-story Extension on the north end, on the footprint of the original milking shed. The funding required for Phase II is anticipated to be approximately $500,000, or more if the project is delayed. Island Arts will initiate a new Capital Campaign and seek new grants to secure the necessary funding. Since it has been several years since the Extension plans were originally developed, they are being reviewed and features reprioritized. This upgrade will provide bathrooms and meeting space that can be heated and utilized year-round.

Phase I Barn Improvements:  2022-2025 (in progress)

Phase 1-A: COMPLETED Feb. 2025.  Reroofing—with the addition of roof sound insulation and quiet exhaust fans for the health and comfort of both audience and performers— and electrical upgrades to the performance space for safety and convenience were completed in 2024/early 25.  Several minor structural issues were also repaired.

Phase 1-B: CONTRACTED to start Sept. 2025.  Upgrades to the walls, windows, and doors are scheduled in the Fall of 2025. Walls will receive rock wool sound insulation and the addition of an exterior wall with ship lap siding. New critter-proof doors will be installed. This work will further improve audience and performer safety and enjoyment by sealing out both road noise and bats. (The bats have been given a new bat house outside). The new doors will be ADA accessible and sound-proofed. Windows will be sound-proofed.

Planned Phase II Heatable Extension & Bathrooms:  2026-2030

For the Island Arts Center facility to be useable as a year-round community arts center, an Extension that can be heated cost-effectively is needed. The planned Extension will house indoor plumbing and meeting spaces.  To enhance outdoor performances, an outside stage will also be added, along with improved accessible parking.

Barn Development Accomplishments Through 2021

In 2014 the barn was deeded to Island Arts by Anne M. August after completion of structural restoration. Island Arts began development work.

DEVELOPMENT PHASE I: 2014-2019

  • Safety items completed; new driveway laid
  • Basic house and stage lights installed
  • Certificate of Occupancy issued, as a public building
  • Permit / approval to present events received
  • Water and electric service available on site
  • Concert presentation space opened
  • Architectural firm selected
  • Septic system designed and installed
  • Barn painted a signature red that will in time weather to a true historic barn red
  • Island Arts signage created and installed
  • Preliminary requirements and plans developed
  • Essentials and priorities identified: new roof, insulation, electrical, ADA bathrooms and accessibility, an outdoor stage and classrooms, a café
  • Capital Campaign Funding Goal established at $750,000
  • Downstairs infrastructure framed, adding a classroom
  • Green fence of 100+ trees planted on north and south for beauty and to protect neighbors from lights and noise

DEVELOPMENT PHASE II: 2020-2021

  • Progress interrupted by the pandemic
  • Milk House made critter-proof for storage
  • Office space in North Hero Community Hall was no longer available.
  • Pandemic continued. Building materials and labor became hard to find and spiraled in cost

Interested in helping or learning more?

Please contact us via email or call (802) 372-8889.