As of the last week in August, the Andover Community Hub reported that a total of $98,000 had been received in contributions to its “Come On In” capital campaign begun in September 2021, and that about 50% of the improvements to its historic structure at 157 Main Street had been completed.

The news was not entirely positive, however. Although $100,000 had been announced as the campaign’s goal, the Hub also reported last month that because of increased material costs and additional project requirements, campaign success will require an estimated additional $20,000 to be raised.

“We are of course delighted with the generosity of the responses so far,” said Susan Chase, Hub treasurer, who noted that about 93% of the funds received to date have come from 46 individuals or families, six local businesses, and five foundations. Community-supported fund-raising events, including the July “Food ‘n’ Fiddle” fest at the Andover Barn, have accounted for the remaining 7%. (“Food ‘n’ Fiddle” itself attracted well over 100 attendees and brought in $5,001.)

Chase added: “Though we still have work to do to reach our new goal, we’re confident that the Hub’s base of community support is more than sufficient to achieve it within the next few months.”

The campaign’s three components, announced last September, include (1) the replacement of a badly leaking roof, (2) the provision of universal access to the building, and (3) installation of a community kitchen. 

The roof replacement was completed in June; building accessibility is about 50% completed; and the kitchen installation is now in the advanced planning stage. A rough drawing of the kitchen’s proposed floor plan is now on display inside the Hub, for those interested in this element of the Hub’s future.