As President of the Young Artists Philharmonic, I would also add the voice to the compelling vision of transforming the historic Havemeyer Building into a premier performing arts center for Greenwich. This initiative represents not merely a redevelopment project, but a profound commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of our community and honoring the generous legacy of Henry Osborne Havemeyer, who gifted this landmark to the town in 1892.
For too long, Greenwich has lacked a dedicated venue commensurate with the vibrancy and talent of our local arts scene. Neighboring communities— such as Ridgefield with its acclaimed Playhouse and Westport with its Country Playhouse —benefit from accessible, highquality performing spaces that serve both residents and visiting artists. Greenwich is home to more than 30 vibrant arts organizations, including the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony, Greenwich Opera, and our own Young Artists Philharmonic, deserves an equivalent hub. A revitalized Havemeyer Building would provide an ideal platform for local performers to showcase their work while offering residents convenient access to exceptional live performances.
This transformation would foster greater community engagement, nurture emerging talent—particularly our young musicians—and create opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange. Moreover, such a center would elevate Greenwich’s profile, attracting world-renowned artists, ensembles, and productions that might otherwise bypass our community. Residents would gain unparalleled access to symphony orchestras, theatrical productions, ballets, and recitals of the highest caliber, all within walking distance of Greenwich Avenue. This enhanced cultural vitality would enrich our residents and neighbors’ cultural experience.
I am heartened by the broad and enthusiastic support this proposal has garnered across our community. Visionary developers John Fareri of Fareri Associates and investor Chuck Royce, a steadfast patron of the arts who has preserved institutions like the Avon Theatre, have advanced thoughtful plans for adaptive reuse centered on performing arts. Opera luminary Marcelo Guzzo, founder of Greenwich Opera, has voiced strong endorsement, as have longstanding advocates such as Peter Malkin and Bea Crumbine, whose 30-year-old vision for a performing arts center has been revived recently by Anne Semmes in her recent article in the Greenwich Sentinel.
Town leadership has also demonstrated openness and support in this direction. First Selectman Fred Camillo has advocated for a balanced public-private model that prioritizes meaningful community benefits, including arts integration. Board of Education Chair Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony has emphasized the building’s urgent need for redevelopment and relocation of offices, viewing an arts-focused center as an exemplary community asset.
The chorus of community support has been resounding and broad-based. Prominent voices include former Greenwich government official John Spang, Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Dan Quigley, and longtime senior center advocate Christine Edwards, all of whom have urged prioritizing nonprofit arts spaces in ongoing town discussions. They are joined by leaders from key local cultural organizations, such as Suzanne Lio, Executive Director of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, and Christine Boies, former longtime President of the Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony.
The estimated renovation costs, ranging from $20 million to $74 million, are substantial yet achievable. This is an investment in our love of the arts, shared heritage and future—one that preserves a historic gift while creating a lasting legacy of artistic excellence.
In closing, I urge Greenwich residents, elected officials, and stakeholders to embrace this opportunity. Let us unite in support of a performing arts center at the Havemeyer Building, ensuring Greenwich remains a beacon of culture, creativity, and community for generations to come.
Rainer Busch
President of the Young Artists Philharmonic
