Berkshire Lightscapes has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 by May 16 to create modern LED lighting on Park Square, City Hall, and Dunham Mall. If the goal is met, it will receive a $50,000 match from MassDevelopment. The total funding of $100,000 will be used to build the project by August 2018.
Creating Lightscapes – Illuminating Downtown Spaces
BL Steering Committee is passionate about the future of Pittsfield and the continuing revitalization of our downtown. From our Committee’s earliest meetings, we discussed the “energy-giving” power of light, and how state-of-the-art LED lighting could aid in the ongoing transformation of the city.
The Committee has developed a plan to create permanent, artistic, tasteful areas of light (lightscapes) on downtown buildings, public spaces and connecting alleyways at a scale and cost appropriate to our city. In doing this, we will Illuminate the beautiful structures and public spaces of our downtown creating a safe, colorful and vibrant area.
Through the grant, Berkshire Lightscapes will create lightscapes on Dunham Mall, City Hall, and Park Square. Free parking is nearby and restaurants, shopping, entertainment are within walking distance.
When events and performances are scheduled in lightscape spaces, the City will cordon off these areas to traffic. Examples of lightscape events include dances, musical performances, craft shows, public school events, food tastings, etc. Anticipated lightscape hours are dusk-10:00PM.
BL will work closely with the Mayor’s office and Pittsfield’s Community Development Department on all phases of this project, and will continue to collaborate with the City on lighting equipment selection and installation.
Downtown Project areas:
Dunham Mall
Dunham Mall is a pedestrian thoroughfare connecting North Street’s commercial district with City Hall. It’s rarely used at night, but enhanced lighting would provide a “corridor of artistic light” to illuminate the event/entertainment venue in front of City Hall.
City Hall
City Hall does have muted white light on its front façade. BL would enhance the current lighting by adding tasteful lighting (the lightscape) to the front of the building and the front railings. This will bring out the architectural beauty of this historical structure.
Entertainment and events would be located in front of City Hall, and onto contiguous street areas.
Park Square
Park Square is a small “park” right in the center of the downtown. It is framed by some of the most historically significant buildings in Pittsfield.
The preliminary plan proposes two memorial style spotlights to highlight the historic Civil War monument facing North Street; and twenty-one uplights on the existing Acorn lights.
Donations to the Park Square, City Hall, Dunham Mall Project can be made at www.patronicity.com/lightscapes.
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For Further Information:
- Berkshire Lightscapes is part of Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association (DPCA), a 501c3, tax exempt organization.
- Checks can be made payable to: Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Associationand Berkshire Lightscapes on the check memo. Send the check to: DPI/DPCA, 33 Dunham Mall #101, Pittsfield, MA 01201
- For more information, contact Elie Hammerling at 413.822.8721 or eliehammerling@gmail.com