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'The Kate' seeks 7,500 sq ft expansion; presenters say parking can be managed with nearby lots
Summary
Brett Elliott of The Kate presented a proposed ~7,500 sq ft addition and a small (≈90-seat) secondary performance space, saying guaranteed off-street parking (199 spaces) exceeds the zoning requirement (94 spaces). Commissioners raised pedestrian-safety and daytime parking concerns; ARB and SHPO provided favorable preliminary feedback.
Brett Elliott, executive director of the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center ("The Kate"), and consultants presented a preliminary plan on June 1 for roughly 7,500 square feet of new space at 300 Main Street that would add flexible education space and a secondary ~90-seat performance room.
"Since opening our doors in 2009, we hosted over 650,000 visitors," Elliott said, explaining demand and why the expansion is needed. The project team showed renderings and a parking plan prepared by Indigo Design. Joe, an engineer with Indigo, said the team identified eight potential off-site parking areas within walking distance. He reported 199 guaranteed spaces and about 304 possible spaces; zoning requires one space per four seats, which for the theater (376 seats) equates to 94 required spaces.
Commissioners and staff discussed safety and timing: members asked how afternoon matinees and simultaneous evening events would affect on-street parking and pedestrian crossings near Main Street. One commissioner noted frequent nighttime pedestrian crossings and said improved crosswalk lighting and patron guidance will be important to safety.
Applicants said ARB and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) have given preliminary favorable reviews to the proposed elevations, and they plan to submit formal site and special-permit applications in the coming weeks. Staff asked the project team to provide additional detail on weekday matinees and to confirm permanent parking agreements (easements or signed commitments) as part of the formal application.
