Project Spotlight
Westville Village Renaissance Alliance - Facility Planning
The Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (WVRA) is a New Haven-based non-profit organization and a designated Connecticut Main Street organization. Its mission is to partner with local businesses, property owners, residents and public and private institutions to foster and sustain economic revitalization, community engagement, and cultural vitality in Westville Village and the surrounding neighborhoods, while emphasizing historic preservation and placemaking.WVRA hired Odyssey Associates to conduct an operational feasibility study of Lyric Hall, a small theatre originally constructed in 1914, and for sale by its private owner. OA first researched three possible, diverse models for Lyric Hall: AS220, the iconoclastic performance venue, studio space, and artist housing collective in Providence, Rhode Island; Real Art Ways, the cinema, art gallery, and performance venue in Hartford; and the Umbrella, a small fine and performing arts center in Concord, Massachusetts. OA then developed a sample activity profile as a foundation for a future financial operating model. WVRA is currently working to secure funding to begin a Phase 2 of work with OA.
“Working with Josh has been a joy! He is generous with his knowledge and experience and flexible in his thinking. He really took the time to understand our organization, our community and our goals for the project, and to make the path forward understandable and achievable.” - Lizzy Donius, Executive Director