“Opportunity,” Joe Guttadauro thought, gazing into the darkened Carriage House Arts Center. In 2005, this city resident saw potential where others saw only vacancy.
The Carriage House Arts Center had once been a vibrant performing arts space. Terry Polvey, another city resident, ran a program in the late 1990s. It used both the carriage house and the mansion. However, when she moved away, the building fell into disuse. It became a place for garbage and city equipment.
Joe Guttadauro used to joke with friends about creating a theater in a barn. He saw the Carriage House Arts Center as exactly that. He contacted City Hall. Mocciae, a city official, offered a deal. If Guttadauro and his friends cleaned the building, the city would provide paint. They would also repair the roof that had been untouched since 1931.
Guttadauro gathered his friends. They worked weekends. They transformed the neglected space. The goal of the Carriage House Arts Center is to provide a creative outlet. It aims to serve Fairfield County. It also wants to entertain the public and offer a community space.
The Carriage House Arts Center is a volunteer-based organization. It welcomes community involvement.
Carriage houses were once common for wealthy families. In the 1800s, these structures stored wagons and horses. They were the 19th-century version of a garage. Later, they housed motor wagons.
New York City carriage houses stand out. They are shorter than townhouses. They often have arched doors. These doors were originally for carriages. Some carriage houses sit on their own lots. Others are behind townhouses. Some even have their own alley access.
Today, the Carriage House Arts Center hosts various events. These include social dining experiences. Local and touring chefs create multi-course brunches and dinners. The Carriage House Arts Center is also available for private events. These include parties and business functions. It also holds pop-up shopping events and fundraisers.
The space is perfect for creative projects. It is available for photoshoots and filming. It also hosts readings, lectures, and intimate music performances. The transformation of this space is truly amazing. From a neglected building to a vibrant community hub, the Carriage House Arts Center stands as a testament to the power of community.