Aglow with the promise of a new beginning in its 138-year life, Andover’s Old Town Hall at 157 Main Street is now bathed in a spotlight between sunset and sunrise.

What to call Andover’s Old Town Hall?

Suggestions are pouring in. They include: Everybody’s Place, Second Home, The Hub, Olde Towne New Town, Halcyon House, The 1879 House, The Gathering, The Welcome Inn, Andover Space Center, and Shared Spaces.

The naming is just a small part of a town wide survey now being conducted, the results of which are generating a wide range of ideas for the 1879 building’s new use as a community resource. Along with suggestions submitted by Andover Elementary and Middle School students (see the February 2017 Beacon), and by a variety of local organizations that have heard presentations about the acquisition, these new ideas are helping shape community discussions about the building’s future.

Some of the ideas presented so far by survey respondents: crafts and woodworking space, workout gym/fitness classes, internet access, a “fix-it” space, cribbage, game room, local bar, a kitchen that groups can use, after-school and summer programs for kids, a place for musicians to “jam,” “anything fun,” comedy club, movie nights, health clinics, and a whole lot more.

The current survey instrument has been distributed to a number of local organizations, and was available for pickup and drop-off at several locations around town until the end of March. Andover area residents who would still like to offer their thoughts may request a copy of the survey by sending an email to AndoverCommunitySpace@nullgmail.com as soon as possible.

Andover Community Space, the group that now owns the Old Town Hall, continues to look for help in identifying and prioritizing local needs and opportunities. Likewise, it is looking to locate sources of funding for potential building alterations, utility costs, and staffing needs. Got ideas? Send an email to AndoverCommunitySpace@nullgmail.com.

Group members include Andover residents Deb Brower, Susan and Larry Chase, Pat Cutter, Gisela and Steve Darling, and Stacey and Eric Viandier.