PIERCE HALL COMMUNITY CENTER – 1916

Rochester VT’s historic Pierce Hall Community Center celebrated its 100th year in 2016. As noted at the opening celebration of the building in 1916, “Where, except in a typical New England village like Rochester, could such a gathering be held, old and young, from far and near, meeting for a common purpose, a good time together?” Owned by the Masons for the better part of its history, Pierce Hall has been a roller rink, a school, and a gathering space for movies, concerts, and other events. Since 2006, the building has undergone a comprehensive, multi-stage renovation. VIA worked with the board of directors to redesign the community center’s historic entrance for life safety, accessibility, and structural upgrades. The new structurally-sound entrance features many of the decorative details of the original entrance, including concrete steps imprinted with the design of the historic tin panels.