Private Funding Boosts Town House Renovation

Apple Tree Arts recently received a $100,000 grant from a private Worcester-based foundation to help with the renovation project of the former Town House at 1 Grafton Common.

Paul Scarlett, president of the Board of Directors for Apple Tree Arts, called this "a very nice bit of news.'' He announced the grant at Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting.

Apple Tree Arts, a non-profit arts organization, leases the building from the town for $1 per year in exchange for the organization continuing renovation work on the site.

Apple Tree Arts has started the process of restoring the building, a mainstay on the Common since it was built during the Civil War in 1863. They are working to restore the second floor Great Hall, which was originally used for community gatherings before being subdivided into office cubicles.

They hope the building will be used for community gatherings and events and as a home base for their organization, which offers music and theater lessons and programs.