A partnership between Fareri Associates, philanthropic leader Chuck Royce, and several of Greenwich’s leading nonprofit arts organizations is looking for a round two discussion about the Havemeyer building.
The group submitted a proposal to transform the historic Havemeyer Building into a dynamic, community-powered arts center—while simultaneously addressing the critical need of office space for the Board of Education, offered at BOE budget friendly price: free.
A True Public-Private Partnership—With Millions Already Pledged
This collaborative proposal would establish the Havemeyer Arts Center, a flexible, professionally equipped performance venue to serve local artists, students, nonprofits, and residents alike. More than $3 million in private funding has already been pledged to support programming and program accessibility—at no cost to taxpayers.
Nonprofit leader Chuck Royce, who helped create the Avon Theatre in Stamford and The United Theatre in Westerly, RI, is leading the nonprofit arts initiative. Developer John Fareri has committed to taking on all construction risk and financially supporting the nonprofit center’s long-term success. The residential component of the plan is limited in scope, located on existing hardscape, and designed with walkability and sustainability in mind.
“This is about legacy, access, and community impact,” said Royce. “It’s a smart use of public space— one that brings together education, the arts, and sustainable growth.”
Rent-Free Office Space for the BOE—Outside the Havemeyer Building
In addition to the arts center, the proposal includes a vital offer: rent-free office space for the Board of Education, located in Greenwich Office Park or a comparable nearby facility, provided for several years by Mr. Fareri. This option addresses the Town’s urgent need for administrative space without incurring rental costs or disruption during construction—unlike competing proposals that require costly temporary relocations or charge market-rate rent.
Seeking Dialogue: “One Meeting Is Not a Process”
While the team submitted a robust proposal and offered an initial solution for the BOE’s needs, they were granted only a single meeting with Town officials and received no opportunity to update their plan based on further questions (on both sides) and observations.
“We came in expecting a collaborative process— one where proposals could evolve to meet the Town’s needs,” said Royce. “We have altered our proposal to reflect substantial upfront payments that may better meet the needs of the Town. We’re now asking for the conversation that never happened: a serious sitdown with decision-makers to better understand what Greenwich needs and how we can deliver it.”
A Better Fit
Unlike other proposals—with limited public access, and substantial financial burden to the Town—this proposal honors the building’s historic civic purpose and offers long-term cultural, educational, and economic benefits.
Competing proposals require the Town to pay rent, or purchase office space, and disrupt the BOE during construction.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Fareri. “We have a plan backed by mission, funding, and a clear public benefit. We’re just asking for a real chance to present it.”
To learn more about the Havemeyer Arts Center proposal or to support the project, please contact Chuck Royce at HavemeyerArts@gmail.com
