BARNSTABLE – The Oceanside Performing Arts Center is searching for a place to house their new facility.
One of the locations being considered is the Cape Cod Maritime Museum property at Michael K. Aselton Park in downtown Hyannis.
OPAC has proposed a plan that would move the Maritime Museum to the nearby former National Guard Armory, thus making room for the new performing arts facility and creating a “Hyannis Arts and Cultural District in Downtown Hyannis on the Harbor.”
The concept includes renovating the armory to suit the Museum and potentially allowing for space to include an additional museum in the same building, such as the Cape Cod Museum of Art, as well as municipal-related use.
The potential 1,400-seat Oceanside Performing Arts Center and the Museum would be connected to each other with a pedestrian access bridge, connecting the armory property to Aselton park.
“It is a concept that we are exploring,” said Gerald Garnick, president of Oceanside.
Earlier this month Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells received a letter from OPAC requesting access to his staff and information regarding the Armory site.
Ells said he plans to provide information as requested but advised OOPAC that the Town of Barnstable will follow public procurement laws if they become applicable.
“Any future use of said parcel is subject to public procurement laws and the Town of Barnstable shall follow said laws in determining the utilization of the armory site,” said Ells.
The new venue would offer a new performance space for the acclaimed Cape Symphony, a wide range of new facilities for the Cape Conservatory as well as other local arts organizations, a place to hold conferences, weddings, and other special events.
If the proposal comes to fruition, Oceanside would assume responsibility for the Maritime Museum’s lease with the town for the Aselton Park property but at a higher price.
According to Ells OPAC is considering two other locations as well as the Museum.
“It is my understanding that OPAC is evaluating three sites in Barnstable of which the Armory is one,” he said.
Twin Brooks Golf course was also strongly considered for the location.
While the golf course is still in consideration the decision was made to consider a new location after OPAC members had discussions with neighbors and members of Town Council.
Under the proposal, the Maritime Museum would move to the armory property in two years or once renovations are complete.
The outline references a two-year plan to raise funds needed for the construction of the new performing arts center, kicking off at the end of the this summer season, including a Cape Symphony concert at Aselton Park.
With the support of the Cape Symphony and Conservatory operation as Cape Arts & Entertainment, Oceanside Performing Arts Center was established as a non-profit organization in 2015.
By: LUKE LEITNER, CapeCod.com News Center
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