THOMASTON — They thought three days spanning Friday to Sunday would be necessary to return actors’ costumes to their third floor storage den in historic Watts Hall following instillation of the new HVAC system. They didn’t anticipate the community response that came, shuttling the items out of the Green Room, and off of the stage, by Saturday morning.

Some people are amazed that approximately $70,000 was raised for side projects just by cold-calling friends, family, residents, and businesses.

Now, with the scramble to get Watts Hall operable again following renovations and before reopening time – a dance party April 10, 2026 – Kendray Rodriguez, managing director of Watts Hall Community Arts, and Board member Alan Hinsey are not surprised to see actors and volunteers working near contractors, painters, and professional cleaners. Other Board members, committee members, and Watts Block Trustees float in and out. They all have one goal: to finish and reorganize the upheaval before the sold-out dance party ascends to the second floor of the 110-year-old Thomaston landmark in nine days (refinishing the floors will wait until July).

Watts Hall has been closed for six months now for renovations. For Rodriguez, six months is a long time. But, the wait will be worth it for guests of the building and for Thomaston as a whole, she said.

The new heating and cooling system will better stabilize temperatures instead of audience members freezing while stage crews in the balcony (unavailable to the public) perspire. The cast-iron radiators have been discontinued. Some have been removed altogether.

Two new public bathrooms, for a new total of 4, will help to shorten intermission lines, and a new kitchen area complete with full-size convection oven will allow food prep for programs and private events. Lowe’s donated a refrigerator and dishwasher. Hallway wall space is being reserved for rotating art exhibits.

While maintaining historic preservation, a large second floor room that the Fire Marshal’s Office said could hold 100 people, and yet can’t be used for large groups because of lack of secondary egress, has now been divided into the kitchen and a potential board room – one of several side projects occurring while the building is closed. The original half doors remain hinged to the now-divided room.

Likewise, everything in the auditorium will remain the same, except for very clean curtains, as Hinsey remarked. The same view, the same folding chairs, some padded, none bolted down, allowing for open space when open space is needed.

“This space will still be the way people remember it, and love it,” said Rodriguez.

Grants from the National Park Service for Historic Preservation, the Federal Northern Border Regional Commission, and the Davis Foundation – all supplemented by TIF funding from the Town of Thomaston add up to approximately $1,074,000 for fire escapes; lobby floor tiles; electrical and plumbing upgrades; recentering the lobby ceiling light, which had originally been centered before the elevator was installed, giving an off-balance look.

The Town owns the building, and it is overseen by the Watts Block Trustees, which is a volunteer committee. Watts Hall Community Arts manages the second floor, where the stage is located. Residents are divided on whether to keep the building under Town ownership. Some residents want it sold, to re-enter the taxable income economy.

A Watts Hall Arts Commission formed ten years ago and convinced the Town that the building could be self-sustaining in the future, as well as eventually contributing revenue to the Town. Ideas for sustainability include renting space on the second floor for private functions such as weddings, where once the Select Board met and the food pantry dispensed; as well as renting out the first floor, once home to the Police Department and other municipal offices, and now provides sleeping quarters for Fire and EMS personnel. 

There is a line-item for Watts Hall in the Town budget. And that is paid back by all of the businesses that pay rent, according to Rodriguez. The Community Arts program also provides a yearly contribution to the Town. As the money from programs increases, the contribution will increase.

“Is it going to drastically reduce people’s property tax bills?” said Rodriguez. “No. But it is not a tax burden. And the value that people in this town get from having this here, I think is worth it.”

The Hall brings in shows, events, and other attractions that might convince people to stay awhile in a place known as a “drive-thru” town. And, when those people stop, they will see neighboring businesses that may entice a visit. According to Rodriguez, Watts Hall show nights already mean packed restaurant nights and full parking lot nights.

The building “is crucial to the survival of our town,” she said.

Samuel Watts built the original hall in 1890 as a gift to Thomaston. The building burned down in 1915 and was rebuilt the next year, courtesy of Watts’ daughter, Mary Jane Watts.

Watts Hall carries on, 136 years later, thanks to a vision for Thomaston, and a community returning again and again.

Find more information for Watts Hall Community Arts at https://www.wattshallthomaston.com/

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com