A Concert Hall in Ruins
Concert Hall in Natick, Mass.
Inside the Concert Hall in Natick, Mass.
Apr. 5, 2005
Dear Preservation 911,
If you have driven through downtown Natick, Mass., you have probably noticed the landmark building at the corner of Routes 27 and 135 filling up a block of Main Street with ornate store fronts and tall arched windows above. The capstone reads, "Clark's Block, 1875."
What you may not know is that when Nathaniel Clark built this block he included concert hall in the center of the top floor. It was used for concerts, lectures, and town meetings, but gradually fell into disuse. It is now in a state of ruin; the balcony and stage have been demolished, and an enclosed corridor runs down the middle of it. I would bet that the acoustics in this place are amazing, as its design and vintage is not unlike the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, N.Y., (also an upstairs hall with a peaked roof).
Word on the street is that the building's owner intends to fill in the space with more offices, even adding another floor to it.
The old concert hall on top of Clark's Block is in imminent danger of disappearing forever. I'd love to see The Center For Arts in Natick (TCAN), the community, and the owner of Clark's Block figure out a way to save it and make it usable again. If done right this could be as beautiful, useful, and versatile a space for TCAN and Natick as Mechanics Hall (www.mechanicshall.org) is for Worcester.
Spread the word!
Sincerely,
Josh Gordon
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