CONSTRUCTION UPDATES 2025
53 COLONY STREET: ELEVATE THE ARTS & ACCESS THE ARTS RENOVATIONS
GALLERY 53 IS OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION!
March 6, 2026
Last week at the gallery was all about going UP . . . in our new elevator. This week it’s all about looking DOWN . . . at our floors! After a superhuman effort by our volunteers to move everything stored on the third floor down to the second floor (BEFORE the new elevator!), we’re ready to refinish the hardwood floors on the 3rd floor. We will be restoring the circa 1894 flooring to its original glory and we can’t wait to see this transformation! Plus, the stair risers up to the 3rd floor and the 4th floor loft were finished this week. And speaking of transformations, Executive Director Sandy Goodyear outlined the plans for the third floor which include event/meeting space, fine arts studio and storage space. Stay tuned as this exciting transformation gets underway!
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February 25, 2026
Today, a decade-long dream became reality at Gallery 53! Our newly installed elevator was officially certified — and we took the very first ride together.
What a journey it has been. From funding applications and countless construction meetings to unexpected challenges and delays, this project tested our patience and perseverance. Through it all, an incredibly dedicated volunteer committee and a team of highly skilled vendors carried us forward.
We celebrated with a champagne toast, shared a few “war stories,” and took a moment to reflect on what this truly means. This elevator changes EVERYTHING for Gallery 53. It allows full use of every floor in our building and, most importantly, opens our doors wider than ever before — welcoming community members who haven’t previously been able to access our programs.
We are deeply grateful to the many supporters who helped make this milestone possible. Onward as we continue building a first-class regional arts organization!
What a journey it has been. From funding applications and countless construction meetings to unexpected challenges and delays, this project tested our patience and perseverance. Through it all, an incredibly dedicated volunteer committee and a team of highly skilled vendors carried us forward.
We celebrated with a champagne toast, shared a few “war stories,” and took a moment to reflect on what this truly means. This elevator changes EVERYTHING for Gallery 53. It allows full use of every floor in our building and, most importantly, opens our doors wider than ever before — welcoming community members who haven’t previously been able to access our programs.
We are deeply grateful to the many supporters who helped make this milestone possible. Onward as we continue building a first-class regional arts organization!
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January 20, 2026
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, an incredible crew of volunteers tackled a HUGE job — moving everything from the third floor down to the second to prepare for floor refinishing upstairs.
Because we’re still waiting for our new elevator to be inspected and approved, every single item had to be hand-carried down a 19-step flight of stairs (but who’s counting?!). And yes… it will all have to go back up once the floors are finished!
We are beyond grateful for our strong, dedicated, and tireless volunteers who made this enormous undertaking possible. Thank you for keeping things moving — literally!
Because we’re still waiting for our new elevator to be inspected and approved, every single item had to be hand-carried down a 19-step flight of stairs (but who’s counting?!). And yes… it will all have to go back up once the floors are finished!
We are beyond grateful for our strong, dedicated, and tireless volunteers who made this enormous undertaking possible. Thank you for keeping things moving — literally!
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January 9, 2026
Going up? Our new elevator is in place, ready to be enclosed by walls and then inspected. Stay tuned for the historic first elevator ride coming soon!
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December 20, 2025
Getting geared up for installation of our new elevator after the holidays! With all the components delivered, we look forward to pressing the up button to take that first ride in the new elevator! We’ve been on a long and winding road with our major renovation project since January. SO GRATEFUL to the City of Meriden, our Elevate the Arts renovation committee, our volunteers, our contractors and everyone in the community who supported this project!
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November 16, 2025
Our renovation project is all about the ups and downs right now!
First, the unique staircase connecting the 3rd floor to the 4th floor mezzanine is almost complete! Thanks to Haroldo Dasilva of Stately Stair Co. Inc., it looks amazing! We’re already imagining how the staircase can be used to dramatic effect in future events! Second, J.A.Rosa Construction completed the access/egress stairwells. With the stairwells in place, we now have significantly more usable space! And, last, we wait patiently for our new elevator to be installed in January.
First, the unique staircase connecting the 3rd floor to the 4th floor mezzanine is almost complete! Thanks to Haroldo Dasilva of Stately Stair Co. Inc., it looks amazing! We’re already imagining how the staircase can be used to dramatic effect in future events! Second, J.A.Rosa Construction completed the access/egress stairwells. With the stairwells in place, we now have significantly more usable space! And, last, we wait patiently for our new elevator to be installed in January.
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September 11, 2025
Every day brings us closer to wrapping up this major renovation project! This week Executive Director Sandy Goodyear took us on a tour to see the progress on the third floor and 4th floor loft. Workers from J. A. Rosa Construction, LLC are installing a custom staircase designed by Bob Grzywacz, AIA, LEED AP of Luchs / DeCarlo & Doll. We’re so excited about the potential for this additional gallery space!
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July 16, 2025
J. A. Rosa Construction, LLC is evaluating water seepage in the base of the elevator shaft. We’re working through this challenge, thanks to our exceptionally dedicated renovation committee and awesome contractors.
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June 5, 2025
Renovating buildings over a century old often brings surprises, and our project at 53 Colony Street was no exception. Once the original elevator was removed, we discovered contaminated soil in the elevator pit — a common issue with old hydraulic elevators where petroleum-based fluids may have leaked into the ground over time.
When contamination is found, it must be carefully contained, safely removed, and replaced with clean fill—following strict environmental regulations for proper disposal.
We’re pleased to share that this issue is being addressed, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our expert contractors and our committed renovation committee.
Now, we eagerly await the delivery of the new elevator components. Once they arrive, we’ll be moving full steam ahead!
When contamination is found, it must be carefully contained, safely removed, and replaced with clean fill—following strict environmental regulations for proper disposal.
We’re pleased to share that this issue is being addressed, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our expert contractors and our committed renovation committee.
Now, we eagerly await the delivery of the new elevator components. Once they arrive, we’ll be moving full steam ahead!
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March 5, 2025
The G53 renovations continue as we work around plastic sheeting, new Sheetrock . . . and construction dust! We’re now starting to see the final configuration of each floor. AND we even have an emergency call box in the lobby, which means our new elevator is not too far off in the future! Plus, the construction crew from J.A. Rosa Construction fournd a treasure trove of old advertising signs and equipment in the attic!
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February 22, 2025
Great to see Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati at Gallery 53 on Saturday! Executive Director Sandy Goodyear gave Mayor Scarpati the VIP Tour of all 4 Floors. It was a great opportunity to show him the progress on our major renovation project, which was made possible by ARPA Funding approved by Meriden’s City Council.
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February 14, 2025
Another Special Delivery! A hydraulic lift truck from Kamco Supply Corp. delivered more Sheetrock for our “Elevate the Arts/Access the Arts” renovation project. This time the J. A. Rosa Construction crew pulled the material in through the second floor windows in the Indianna Room. Every day brings us closer to the finish line as we anticipate the replacement of our 90+ year old elevator that was installed during The Great Depression!
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February 7, 2025
We were able to hold the opening for our first art exhibit of 2025 in the first floor gallery/gift shop on February 8th! Thanks to the J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC Crew who completed the new, reinforced gallery wall just in time for our volunteers to hang the show , we welcomed a packed house of art lovers on February 8th! Meanwhile, the crew continues to sheetrock the new access/egress hallways on the second and third floors. They sheetrocked the “party wall” dividing 51 and 53 Colony and the ceiling on the third floor over the mezzanine. It’s interesting to see slices of old construction uncovered in this process, like the wood slats visible in the ceiling of the rear third floor stairwell. We really appreciate how the crew takes care to keep the construction site neat and clean.
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January 30, 2025
The big news this week: the hard working crew from J. A. Rosa Construction, LLC is working at warp speed to finish the new wall in the gallery/gift shop in time for our upcoming Ebony & Ivory Art Exhibit. Plus, they are installing a “party wall” on the 3rd and 4th floors to completely separate G53’s building at 53 Colony from the former Butler Paint Company building at 51 Colony Street. And there’s even a little closet tucked in behind the rear 3rd floor stairwell . . . because artists can never have enough storage space!
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January 28, 2025
Special Delivery! There was some heavy lifting going on at the gallery on January 28th as we received Sheetrock, insulation and other materials for our “Elevate the Arts/Access the Arts” renovation project! The materials were lifted via a hydraulic lift into the 4th Floor Mezzanine. J. A. Rosa Construction removed one of the small arched windows to bring the materials inside.
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January 25, 2025
On January 25th, we can see the renovated spaces starting to take shape! On the first floor, the workers from J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC, are prioritizing the interior wall in the gallery in anticipation of our upcoming Ebony & Ivory Art Exhibit! On the second floor, Co-President Kathi Gorman led a family group in a fun, festive paint party in the art studio. The Indianna Room is being readied for a photo editing workshop on January 29th and February 5th. Stairwells in the rear of the building are delineated, putting us closer to access/egress code compliance. And the newly accessible third floor - plus 4th floor mezzanine - continue to fire our enthusiasm with their potential for new programs! As always, you can see Executive Director Sandy Goodyear going to great heights to inspect the work!
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January 15, 2025
January 15th tour of all 4 1/2 floors of 53 Colony Street with “hands on” G53 Executive Director Sandy Goodyear and Kevin Slade of J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC:
GROUND FLOOR/BASEMENT
Workers had to break through the basement floor so they can place stairwell supports. Plus get ready to say “buh-bye” to the ancient mechanism powering our Great Depression-era elevator.
Workers had to break through the basement floor so they can place stairwell supports. Plus get ready to say “buh-bye” to the ancient mechanism powering our Great Depression-era elevator.
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1st FLOOR GALLERY & GIFT SHOP
The G53 Volunteer Staff has gone above and beyond in rearranging this floor so we can remain open during construction! It really helps that the J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC, crew always leaves a work area in pristine condition.
The G53 Volunteer Staff has gone above and beyond in rearranging this floor so we can remain open during construction! It really helps that the J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC, crew always leaves a work area in pristine condition.
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2nd FLOOR ART STUDIO & MEETING ROOM
Work continues on building out additional hallways and stairwells to bring the building up to code. The artists continue to create in the midst of construction!
Work continues on building out additional hallways and stairwells to bring the building up to code. The artists continue to create in the midst of construction!
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3rd FLOOR & MEZZANINE
One of the most exciting aspects of this renovation is gaining useable additional space on the third floor. The upper mezzanine is taking shape with its row of small arched windows. Seeing DeCarlo & Doll’s plans for the staircase leading up to it has reignited our excitement for potential of this unique space.
One of the most exciting aspects of this renovation is gaining useable additional space on the third floor. The upper mezzanine is taking shape with its row of small arched windows. Seeing DeCarlo & Doll’s plans for the staircase leading up to it has reignited our excitement for potential of this unique space.
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Construction kicked off January 2nd. The crew from J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC has been simultaneously working on all 5 floors at 53 Colony Street. Their first step is to create code-compliant access/egress stairwells and hallways. The stairwells call for additional structural supports, including several in the basement/ground floor that required digging through the basement floor.
The crew also broke through the front half of the ceiling on the third floor. This will allow construction of a mezzanine that will be open to the third floor and have a row of windows facing west. Our staff is very excited about gaining this additional unique space and the resulting potential for more programming.
Once the access/egress updates are in place, J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC will coordinate with Kone, Inc. on the elevator installation.
The crew also broke through the front half of the ceiling on the third floor. This will allow construction of a mezzanine that will be open to the third floor and have a row of windows facing west. Our staff is very excited about gaining this additional unique space and the resulting potential for more programming.
Once the access/egress updates are in place, J.A. Rosa Construction, LLC will coordinate with Kone, Inc. on the elevator installation.
January 8, 2025
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January 3, 2025
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