Happy Holidays from The Masonic Project team
Before we all head into the holiday season and get ready to welcome a new year, we thought we would say thanks for your support in 2024 and provide a quick update on The Masonic Project and related initiatives.
A lot of work has happened behind the scenes this year for the Project as we get closer to finalizing the plans for its development and programming. Here are some of the highlights:
RENOVATION
- Phase 1 interior demolition and structural assessment completed; historically significant elements and artifacts carefully removed, packaged, and stored offsite.
- The City of St. John’s Council approved the addition of an elevator to the building. An exciting first step to making The Masonic more accessible and welcoming.
- Formed agreement with Carleton University engineering students to have monitoring equipment installed throughout the building, which will help detect and measure any change in building movement, while providing real-world educational experience to students. The data collected from this process will generate a model to help with structural design and act as a case study for similar restoration projects in the future.
PROGRAM & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
- Engaged NL-based arts consultant to carry out a business feasibility study for the development of the Project. The study will assist in making informed decisions about how best to develop The Masonic into an arts-focused community hub and performing arts space. Many stakeholders within the arts and culture community were engaged and consulted as part of this process.
- The Project team visited Eltuek Arts Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia and The Theatre Centre in Toronto, Ontario as part of the research process
- Feasibility study completed with more information to be released publicly in 2025
COMMUNITY
- Recap report shared with participants of community engagement session “Where to from Here: A Conversation About the Future of Arts and Culture Hosted by The Masonic Project”; held follow-up meetings with individuals to continue the conversation
- The Resource Centre for the Arts board welcomed our co-founder, Morgan MacRae, as a director
- Attended and supported community and industry events related to arts and culture
- Co-founders, Morgan and Duncan MacRae, established The MacRae Foundation to support the renovation project for the benefit of the community
- Contributed to several community organizations including Stella’s Circle, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern NL, Choices for Youth, Thrive, Bridges to Hope, and Single Parents Association of NL.
We are looking forward to all that 2025 has in store – we will be sure to share any relevant information and exciting news as it ready.
We wish you a very happy holiday season and all the best in the upcoming year!
