Nick's Nest seeks CPA help to restore vintage jukebox control module, contractor quotes $20,000

Nick's Nest asked the Holyoke City Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee on Tuesday to consider funding repairs to a vintage jukebox control module and associated bandbox work at the downtown restaurant.

The applicant, identified in the meeting chat as Jen Shatnoff, told the committee the bandbox on the restaurant wall still works but the control equipment in the basement has been in pieces and the jukeboxes “do not work anymore because the equipment downstairs is not.” The contractor estimate for repair and reinstallation, Shatnoff said, is $20,000; she added the business could contribute toward the cost but sought CPA support.

Chair (name not provided in the transcript) said the CPA process requires either placement on the state historic register or a local historic-commission determination before such niche features become eligible for CPA funding. Committee members and staff said they will pursue the historic-commission route but are prepared to assist with state-level outreach if the local commission cannot act: the transcript records that the local historic commission has been without a quorum and volunteers are being sought to restore it.

Committee members asked for clarification about contracting and payment. Staff explained the typical process: the vendor submits an invoice to the applicant, the applicant forwards the invoice to CPA staff, the committee creates a purchase order, and the vendor is paid after the invoice is processed. Shatnoff said the contractor’s proposal includes travel and on-site reinstallation; a committee member summarized that “Brad's quoting it at $20,000.”

Naomi (staff) reminded applicants that CPA-funded projects must display a sign acknowledging Community Preservation Act funding. Committee members also discussed contract safeguards: one member asked if terms could require insurance or a guarantee to ensure the contractor returns equipment, and staff said contract terms are typically negotiated after the funding vote.

The committee did not take a funding vote at the meeting. Chair told the committee it plans to vote on funding recommendations at its March 4 meeting; after the committee vote, any recommended awards would still need city council approval and formal contracting.

Why it matters: the restoration would return a functioning historic entertainment feature to a downtown Holyoke business and preserve a locally valued artifact; the CPA fund can be used for historic preservation projects but eligibility depends on the historic designation process, which is still pending.

What’s next: the applicant will provide any follow-up information requested by staff, CPA staff will pursue historic-eligibility steps, and the committee plans to consider funding recommendations at the March 4 meeting.