Major Expansion Approved For Simsbury Concert Venue

SIMSBURY, CT — Local officials Monday approved a large expansion at a major performing arts facility, providing the site with increased capabilities to host larger concert events there.

The Simsbury Zoning Commission on Monday, May 5, unanimously approved a special exemption/site plan allowing for a 3,061-square-foot addition to the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury.

According to the project narrative, the addition will be to the existing band shell, and it will provide the facility with dressing rooms, office space, and public bathrooms.

"The project has been contemplated by the community for some time, with commencement dependent on budget support, funding, and fundraising," reads the narrative, which was submitted by George K. McGregor, Simsbury's director of planning and community development.

He said a wetlands permit was already approved for the project in 2022, as the work would take place on a floodplain.

Simsbury Deputy Town Engineer Eric Kessler went before the commission to provide an overview of the project.

He said they would replace rented trailers used for those purposes, and work on this project is expected to take place from October 2025 through May 2026, opening next concert season.

The vote to approve was 6-0.

The Town of Simsbury is listed as an applicant due to a longstanding operating agreement with the center, which is a separate, nonprofit entity from the town.

Last November, the town and Simsbury Meadows signed a 15-year operation pact, essentially making the town and Simsbury Meadows partners.

The $2.8 million project is being funded through state grant dollars and donations and the project is currently out to bid.

"It's essentially back-of-house improvements, office and space for performers and workers alike," Kessler said during Monday's public hearing.

No public testimony for or against the project took place on Monday, and the commission closed the hearing before action.

For the minutes of the May 5 Simsbury Zoning Commission hearing, click on this link.

For all documents related to the Simsbury Meadows expansion plan, click on this link.

From Nov. 26, 2024: 'Town, Simsbury Meadows Ink 15-Year Operations Agreement'