BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – An iconic Burlington building is due for a makeover. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak held an open house to ask constituents their thoughts on the future of Memorial Auditorium.
“We do this engagement process in an exciting way, one that gets you into a creative mindset, one that honors the legacy of this block, and listens to your stories at the same time,” said Mulvaney-Stanak.
Built to honor World War I veterans, Memorial Auditorium has been a daycare center, concert venue, sports arena, farmers market, art studio, and more in its 88 years. But in 2016, it proved to be too dangerous to rally in and was closed.
For a space that will be both private and public, it’s the options are infinite. So, the city and the developers spearheading the project are asking Burlington, “What should it be?”
The Fletcher Free Library was packed with several dozen Burlingtonians from all walks of life and experiences with Memorial. They put stickers up to vote on what kind of public space they wanted to see.
Conference and trade hall, concert venue, and farmers market were most popular, but there were some creative write-ins, like a food hall or a semi-pro sports team stadium.
Historical advocates want to keep the façade. Co-developers Joe Larkin and Eric Farrell say they’re not sure if building within the existing structure or demolishing it would be more expensive.
“I think we have to keep an open mind about what that building is, what condition it’s in, and to be respectful of its history and what it could be going forward,” said Joe co-developer Larkin.
Burlington resident Joseph Mandell says he doesn’t care if it’s leveled, he just wants the heart of the structure to stay as a memorial to our veterans.
“Their grandchildren are still alive. Their great-grandchildren are still alive. Now, it may not mean much to them, but it means something, to someone,” said Mandell.