Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded $110,000 in grant funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism to support the next exciting chapter in the future of Hopkinton’s historic Center School.
The grant will partially fund architectural and engineering schematic designs for this landmark building located at the iconic starting line of the Boston Marathon in downtown Hopkinton. The building is now poised for a vibrant transformation that honors its past while reimagining its role as a dynamic community destination.
In a collaborative public-private partnership, Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, and Hopkinton Parks & Recreation are working together with the permanent building committee and the town of Hopkinton to breathe new life into the Center School following the Town’s endorsement through a request for proposal process. The vision is to preserve the building’s historic exterior while reinventing the interior as a flexible, mixed-use space that will serve residents of all ages and strengthen Hopkinton’s cultural and civic life.
“This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Kelly Grill, Executive Director of Hopkinton Center for the Arts. “We’re excited to partner with the Town of Hopkinton to reimagine Center School as a welcoming, creative hub—one that will truly be a jewel in the heart of downtown.”
Grill added, “We are deeply grateful to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism for recognizing the tremendous potential this project holds, not just for Hopkinton, but for visitors to the region as well. Their support allows us to take these critical first steps forward.”
Importantly, residents can be assured that this project will not result in an increase of residential taxes. The project will be funded through a combination of existing Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds, grants and private donations.
“This is about smart partnerships, responsible funding,and investing in our community’s future while respecting our shared resources.”
With this grant award, the Center School project moves from vision to action—bringing renewed energy, opportunity, and pride to one of Hopkinton’s most historic spaces.