Expansion Project Overview

 In 2006 the Board of Directors worked on a strategic plan for the Education Center. During the planning process, we realized the importance of expanding our facilities to allow for program growth. At present, programs are held in one 20’ x 40’ classroom and the only restroom is an outdoor chemical toilet (Porta-Potty). No hot running water is available. Cold running water is available seasonally by outdoor sinks and hoses. The Facilities Expansion Project will provide multiple restrooms, including a handicapped accessible restroom, a handicapped accessible kitchen facility, and an additional handicapped accessible classroom / function space.

The Facilities Expansion Project will demolish and rebuild existing sections of the former dairy barn. A 20’x 80’ one-story classroom / function area will be rebuilt on the existing West Barn Foundation and a 24’ x 30’ bathroom / kitchen area will be created in the space now containing the carport. The new space will be ADA compliant, heavily insulated, and eventually have solar hot water radiant heat. The building will be a demonstration and teaching tool for this green technology.

The Project will not only expand our program capacity and revenue sources, it will add safety, hygiene and comfort benefits to all visitors. Providing accessible restrooms, a kitchen and additional classroom space will enable us to expand our children’s education programs, adult workshops, and folk concerts to a larger, more diverse audience. It will also allow us to open our space other community groups and individuals for public or private gatherings.

The Facilities Expansion Project is a multi-year project estimated to cost $282,000. We are currently fundraising as we build. Through generous individuals, businesses, our own Board of Directors and budgeted savings we have raised over $130,000. We have also been awarded a $107,000 grant from the Mass Cultural Council’s Facilities Fund. This is no small feat for an organization with an annual budget of just over $100,000 / year. Our 20-year record of “doing a lot with a little” speaks for itself. We still need to raise another $45,000 to finish the work. The ultimate goal of the Soule Homestead Facilities Expansion Project is to create a handicapped accessible facility capable of offering many more programs, and greater community involvement.

We’d like to thank those who have already given. Please stop by and check out the progress. If you would like to make a donation please contact us. Thank you for your help.

Please visit us 9am – 5pm at 46 Soule St. Middleboro, MA 02346. E-mail info@soulehomestead.org or call
(508) 947 6744.