Help Sherb Pay down their remaining loan for Cora
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Ridgway ChautauquaHelp us pay down our loan for 145/147 N. Cora - The "Key to the Future" property for Sherb & WCA
$580
raised by 7 people
$130,000 goal
New update
An Unexpected Challenge & Opportunity at 147 Cora
In fall of 2025, our long-term tenant at 147 Cora passed away, leaving the space unexpectedly vacant. While this loss was deeply felt, it also opened the door for future activation of the building as part of the Sherbino’s campus vision.
However, the space needs significant professional upgrades before it can safely host artists, performers, meetings, lodging, rehearsals, or community use. The work ahead will turn 147 Cora from a dormant liability into a lively, creative asset that strengthens the entire Sherbino campus.
Critical Needs at 147 (and Portions of 145)
To bring the building up to code and prepare it for Sherbino programming, we must address:
Complete electrical overhaul and rewiring
Insulation at 147 (currently almost none!)
New drywall and added storage/closet framing
Moderate bathroom improvements
A new boiler/heating system
Updated plumbing for bathroom and laundry
Washer/dryer installation for performer lodging
A functional kitchen/cleanup station
Projector, screen, and furnishings for community use
Two new energy-efficient windows
New flooring throughout
New lighting throughout (after electrical work)
Additional insulation above 145
Slight reconfiguration at 145 and shifting the Sherbino's refrigeration unit from interior to exterior cold storage (with a Cool-Bot)
This is a significant list—but entirely achievable with community support. Every contribution brings us closer to turning these buildings into active, vibrant extensions of the Sherbino.
The Sherbino Theater and the 610 Arts Collective anchor the core of downtown Ridgway. As we consider future growth and programming, the two programming spaces reveal that they are each running out of space.
In 2019, the Ridgway Chautauqua Society (RCS) commissioned a Master Plan from John Baskfield and Kit Meckel, architects (Conterra Workshop). The goal of the Master Facility Plan was to consider integration of the existing buildings – the Sherbino Theater at 604 Clinton and the 610 Arts Collective at 610 Clinton – as well as full consideration of long-term expansion opportunities. Weehawken's needs were also considered within the plan.
In early 2020, The Master Plan identified 145 Cora Street as the optimal expansion opportunity. As you can see from the Master Plan drawing, its proximity to our existing buildings, good street frontage on what is arguably the gateway to downtown, and its lot size are exceptional.
In 2021 RCS and Weehawken Creative Arts (WCA) jointly leased 145 B Cora Street and began utilizing the space for special event storage, classroom and theater rehearsal space.
In early 2022 the opportunity to purchase 145 Cora Street arose. RCS and WCA recently acquired 50/50 title to this property. We are jointly working on plans for how to use this property in the future. 145 Cora Street is an old building with much deferred maintenance but with enormous potential for our organizations and the community.
Phased Approach Details
Phase 1: Down Payments for RCS and WCA to acquire/close: $200,000 ($100,000 RCS / $100,000 WCA) - complete
Phase 2a: Remedy Critical Deferred Maintenance on property: $80,000 - in process. painting complete (2023). awning in process (2023). insulated window coverings in process. signage in process. removal or rear (rotted) tree in process. repair of refrigeration unit in process. Upgrade of physical internal space (flooring, walls, lighting, water heaters) - Still Needed.)
Phase 2b: Retirement of Loan for Sherbino's Portion of debt: $200,000 (goal - complete by Dec, 2025)
Phase 3 (2026-2027): Funding for, and then planning and design of a comprehensive campus to accommodate RCS and WCA current and future needs, to possibly include affordable employee housing: $100,000
Phase 4 (2027-2032): Fundraising & Implementation of campus plan, likely in phases. Likely to include remodel or extension of some buildings and possibly new building particularly on the Cora Street lot.