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TOWN HALL ANNEX GYMNASIUM

Built in 1917, the Town Hall Annex was originally a high school, then a grade school, and finally the School Department. Named the Milton E. Earle School in 1952 to honor a respected Westport educator, the building now houses many of the Town’s administrative offices. The gymnasium on the lower level is a large open space frequently used by a basketball league and other organizations. With a stage at one end, it has the potential to hold a variety of cultural events. The Annex has the added benefit of the adjacent outdoor area where concerts have been held in the past. Recently, a children's concert scheduled outdoors was held in the gym when rain threatened. Scheduling is limited in the fall and winter, more flexible beginning in March continuing through the summer. The Town Recreation Commission manages this space and is open to collaborating with cultural organizations that want to plan single events or ongoing programs in and around the Annex. Contact them to discuss your ideas and to learn about any restrictions and expenses related to the use of the facility.

Specifications

Entrance

• Two entrances at the rear of the building; drive around back to park. The South entrance to the gym is labeled the "Accessible Entrance" and has a short inside ramp to address a single step.
• Enter directly into the gym; no foyer

Main Hall

• 24' x 35' excluding stage and kitchen area
• High ceilings with a very open feeling
• Lots of big windows, but little wall space
• Has well-maintained sprung wood floor
• Full kitchen and two modern bathrooms
• Water is non-potable and regularly tested; must provide own
• Seating is made up of folding chairs and two benches
• Nine banquet size tables and two smaller tables
• Heated, with a fireplace that may be used with permission
• Four centered hanging light fixtures on dimmers; four small shaded wall lights, evenly placed with two on a side
• Two outlets on each side; one on either side of the stage at base of the stairs

Stage

• 44' by 70.5' excluding stage
• Stage to the apron is 21' by 23'
• Backstage side areas 10.5' by 23'
• Understage area stores some chairs and black flats
• Stage access by sets of stairs on either side
• No curtains; front, side or back
• Some stage lighting hung from the ceiling; inoperable unless group has a lighting board and cable. Must discuss with contact person.n
• Two stereo speakers mounted on either side of the stage; no amplifier
• About 50 folding chairs plus eight lounge-style chairs
• No curtains to darken the room; high windows are on east wall
• Very large pull-down movie screen at edge of stage
• Air conditioning
• Two large toilet rooms off of a doorway from the main hall

Outdoor Area and Parking

• Fenced-in to restrict access
• Primarily asphalt with some grassy area
• Small stage
• Exterior electrical system
• Ample parking in upper and lower parking areas

Contact Information Town Hall Annex 856 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790 George Cataldo, Chairman, Recreation Commission PHONE 508-636-5702