A newly formed nonprofit is proposing to convert a long-vacant Main Street building in Royersford into a community art center, but organizers told borough council the plan remains an idea that hinges on raising as much as $2 million.
Brad Sinrod, who owns a number of commercial and residential properties in the borough, and Fred Danzinger, a longtime artist who serves as president of the Royersford Community Art Center, presented the concept to Royersford Borough Council on Tuesday evening to seek feedback. They emphasized that nothing is finalized.
"We have this under agreement. We do not own it," Sinrod said of the former Lebow Furniture Annex at 331 Main Street. "We are not completely sure we will end up closing on it because it's still a challenging site."
Sinrod said the building, one of several remaining vacant storefronts along Main Street, has had four owners in recent years who each could not complete a project there. He described the structure as essentially a shell with “really cool, old brick” walls, an uneven poured concrete floor, a roof he said is "shot," and no bathrooms.
The organization has a 501(c) nonprofit established through the Royersford Community Foundation that Sinrod noted would own the property.
“This will be a completely nonprofit, community-oriented project if we can make it happen,” Sinrod said.
Origins in a Facebook Post
Danzinger, who moved to Royersford about a year and a half ago, told council he posted on a local Facebook group asking whether anyone wanted an art gallery in town and received a large response. Sinrod was among those who replied, and the two worked with local artists to organize a pop-up art show at Royersford Commons in March.
Danzinger said more than 1,000 people attended the show over two days, 89 artists participated, and 58 works were sold. He said the group raised more than $30,000 that weekend through sales, donations, and memberships.
“We know that there's an appetite for it, and we know that people are interested,” Danzinger said of establishing a permanent home for the Royersford Community Art Center.
The organization now has a 13-member board made up largely of working artists.
What the Center Would Include
Sinrod explained how the roughly 3,850-square-foot building could become an open gallery hall, with a possible second floor added in the rear for a classroom and meeting space. He said the group would like to replace the current aluminum siding with brick or stucco to match other Main Street buildings.
The organizers said they envision weekly classes and meetings as well as monthly public art shows, with programming kept free or low cost. Sinrod said other art associations in neighboring communities could potentially rent the space. Danzinger noted the Pennsylvania Pastel Society and the Philadelphia Water Color Society have expressed interest in exhibiting in the space if it is built.
Danzinger also described a plein air painting event planned for Royersford Community Day on September 12, with between 50 and 100 artists painting local scenes within a block of Main Street. He said the event would offer artists more than $1,800 in prizes, judged by artist Randall Graham, as well as a People’s Choice Award determined by community ballot.
Funding Still Uncertain
Sinrod said the group has completed a Phase 1 environmental site assessment and has some architectural and structural drawings. He mentioned there are structural issues with the brick that will need to be addressed.
The central challenge, Sinrod emphasized, is money. He estimated the project could cost $1 million to $2 million but described that as a guess rather than a firm figure. Because the group wants to keep programming mostly free and avoid carrying a mortgage, the full cost would need to be raised up front.
Sinrod said board members have committed about $150,000, about 10 percent of what is needed. The group hopes to pursue a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant and other county and state funding, and expects to raise a significant share from private donors.
Sinrod acknowledged the building has no dedicated parking, but said public lots are within a short walk.
Council members and Mayor Alex Metricarti responded favorably to the concept, with the mayor noting evidence that art centers can aid downtown economic revitalization.
To learn more about the Royersford Community Art Center or support its efforts, visit the group’s website.
