New Portsmouth Arts Studio Coming This Spring

For nearly two years, 3S Artspace officials have been working hard to raise money and to gain city approvals to renovate their building in the city's northern tier neighborhood into a new performing arts studio and now they are close to meeting those goals.

The city's Historic District Commission recently reviewed the non-profit group's plans to renovate the 18,200 square foot building they own at 319 Vaughn St. into a new performance space. According to documents at the city's Planning Department, the group wants to transform this former manufacturing space into a number of artists studios with a performance area, an art gallery, which is there now and is open on weekends, and a farm to table restaurant.

The building is located in the city's historic district, which is why the project requires approvals from the HDC as well as the Planning Board. McHenry Architects of Portsmouth did the design for the new performance arts center. The project is also located next to another proposed development, 111 Maplewood Avenue, where the developers are also seeking city approval to build a 32,000 square foot building that will house 70 apartments and several retail businesses and offices.

If approved by the city, 3S Artspace officials say they want to make improvements to the current building's facade, which includes a 3S Artspace mural. They want to add new doors, windows, insulation, mechanical equipment and energy efficient features.

On the fundraising front, the non-profit group recently announced in February that they are halfway home to reaching their $2.2 million fundraising goal. According to the group's website, 3S Artspace officials raised $364,000 at a fundraiser held at The 100 Club, which brought their total capital campaign funds to $1235,000 in gifts and pledges. In January 2012, the non-profit group received of Portsmouth.