Something exciting is quietly unfolding near the bottom of Greenwich Avenue. While the details are still under wraps, a growing sense of anticipation is building. A new Starbucks? Not quite—though you’ll find one nearby. What’s truly worth watching is the future of the historic Havemeyer Building, and how its creative re-use could benefit our entire community.
Constructed in 1892 as a public school, the Havemeyer Building has housed the Greenwich Board of Education for more than 75 years. Though the building retains some of its original charm, it has long since outlived its utility as an office space. The interior speaks volumes about the challenge of adapting a 19th-century school to 21st-century administrative needs.
Office space is inefficient, and the building is not ADA-compliant. Even more disheartening is the former auditorium—once a space for student performances— now cluttered with exposed HVAC systems running where theater seats once stood. One can only imagine the cost of heating and cooling such an outdated and inefficient structure.
Last fall, the town issued a “Request for Proposals” (RFP) to reimagine the Havemeyer Building’s future. A dedicated group of volunteers, led by Andy Duus, has been thoroughly evaluating the submitted plans. Soon, their recommendations will go before the Board of Selectmen. At that time, the proposals will be made public, and a community meeting will allow residents to see the details and ask questions.
The potential here is thrilling. What can become of the Havemeyer Building? The possibilities are numerous—though not without limits. When the Havemeyer family gifted the building to the town, it was with the stipulation that it serve educational purposes. Rather than a constraint, this could be an inspiration. One part of the building is practically calling out for a revival: the original auditorium.
Nearly two decades ago, a group led by Bea Crumbine, Peter Malkin and others recognized this potential. They raised funds and developed a plan to restore the auditorium as a center for the arts. While that vision was never realized, today presents a fresh opportunity. The slate is clean.
Modern “black box” theaters—flexible spaces that can be configured for different types of performances— are increasingly popular and would be an ideal fit for downtown Greenwich. While the high school’s performing arts center is excellent, it’s better suited for large productions. Greenwich lacks a dedicated venue for smaller, more intimate performances.
Imagine a revitalized Havemeyer Building anchored by a black box theater and enriched with arts organizations occupying other parts of the building. Such a space could become a vibrant hub for educational programming, community performances, and cultural gatherings—a true arts destination in the heart of town.
Will that vision take shape? That depends on the proposals and the creativity of the developers. We’ll soon find out when the committee makes its recommendations public.
As the town reviews the proposals, we urge decision-makers to weigh the economics carefully. Repurposing a building like Havemeyer will be costly, and developers must bring both imagination and financial viability to the table. At the same time, the town must ensure that the final plan serves both the community’s needs and its bottom line.
The closing of the RFP process presents an opportunity—a chance to form a new public-private partnership that breathes life into one of Greenwich Avenue’s architectural gems. The curtain may soon rise on the next chapter of the Havemeyer Building’s remarkable story. Let’s make sure it’s a performance worth remembering.
