Participants in the March 14 ceremonial groundbreaking for a new $6.4 million maintenance facility at Chautauqua Institution included Institution leadership and staff, county and local officials, and representatives of the project architect and general contractor. From left: Butch Briggs, recently retired 47-year employee of Chautauqua Institution’s Buildings and Grounds department; John Shedd, Chautauqua Institution vice president of campus planning and operations; Mark Geise, deputy county executive for economic development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency; James Feldmann, executive assistant to County Executive P.J. Wendel; Michael E. Hill, Chautauqua Institution president; Shane McGranaghan of Larson-Karle Architects; Jack Munella, Chautauqua Institution director of facilities and grounds; Amy Hummel, administrative assistant for Chautauqua Institution’s Buildings and Grounds department; Ryan Olson and Tiffany O’Dell from G.L. Olson, Inc; Don Emhardt, Town of Chautauqua supervisor; and Pierre Chagnon, chair of the Chautauqua County Legislature. Photo by Dave Munch/Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution officials have broken ground on a new $6.4 million facility to house its Buildings and Grounds operations.

Slated for completion by fall of 2023, the 21,000-square-foot building will replace and consolidate several dispersed maintenance facilities that have fallen into disrepair. The project represents the most significant construction project and infrastructure investment by the institution since the $41.5 million amphitheater renewal in 2016-17.

“We are proud after pandemic delay to move forward with this project, which represents a substantial investment in our physical plant and people, and a meaningful step toward realizing the Institution’s long-term goals as outlined in our strategic and master plans,” said Michael E. Hill, president of Chautauqua Institution. “I am particularly excited to honor our amazing Buildings and Grounds team — a group of individuals who perform miracles almost daily and without whose contribution Chautauqua could not exist. Today, we put the first shovels into the ground, making way for the foundation of a building that will support the bedrock of Chautauqua: our Buildings and Grounds team.”

Once the new facility is operational, decommissioned buildings will be replaced or reused in alignment with the Institution’s master plan, which serves as a guide for the highest and best possible uses of Institution lands and built environments. A key component of the master plan is a reimagining of the corridor that bounds Chautauqua’s primary entrance on Route 394. The area, currently occupied by operations facilities and parking lots, is trafficked by summer patrons and Chautauqua County residents alike. The master plan calls for a friendlier and more efficient “welcome” area alongside public spaces featuring retail, foodservice and patron services offerings.

The Chautauqua Institution Board of Trustees voted approve the new maintenance facility project in November. Largely funded by philanthropy, the new facility will improve efficiency and breathe new life into the care of Institution’s National Historic District grounds and facilities.

“This project is a symbol of Chautauqua’s values and aspirations, as we invest in the critical infrastructure needed to provide a world-class experience to all who come to this magical place. It’s also a statement that we want our work environments to match the professionalism and artistry of the people that use them,” Hill said. “I’m grateful to the donors on this project and to all our community members who recognize and support the staff who deliver on Chautauqua’s mission every day.”

The new facility will replace a piecemeal network of Institution buildings to serve as the consolidated home base of all Buildings and Grounds operations, including offices and staff gathering spaces, equipment storage and maintenance, supplies inventory and delivery intake. Its location on former parking lot space on the east side of County Route 33, also known as Chautauqua-Stedman Road, will provide easy access for Institution staff and vendors.