Andover’s old town hall, at 157 Main Street, will now be known as the Andover Hub, according to the group that purchased it last November. The new name reflects the owners’ goal of turning the building, with community support, into “a center of interest, importance, or activity” – the phrase used by Webster’s New World Dictionary to define the word hub.

The new name was one of many contenders for the title. Others, as noted in the April Beacon, included The 1879 House, The Andover Space Center, Everybody’s Place, The Gathering, Halcyon House, Olde Towne New Town, Second Home, Shared Spaces, and The Welcome Inn. Hub was chosen, according to the new owners, “…as a result of a conversation with Toby and Walt Locke during which Toby described a place he had come across in a small western town, where people of all ages gathered and he said it was the hub of the town.”

In addition to naming the structure, the owners – under the name Andover Community Space (ACS) – have been actively planning public programs and gathering input about the best use of the building’s interior space. Beginning in September, a “Bone Builders” exercise program for seniors will be offered. Also in September, a series of yoga classes and a community coffee space will make their debut if current plans are successful. See the September Beacon for the details.

In addition, ACS members are soliciting ideas for creating a commercial kitchen facility, improving the building’s energy efficiency, and making use of the now vacant second floor.

For additional information, or to share ideas about potential uses of the Andover Hub, contact: andovercommunityspace@nullgmail.com.