The Top 10 Stories of 2011: No. 4 - Construction Starts on New Arts Center

Vernon Patch is taking a look back at 10 stories that sum up life in town during 2011.

Here is No. 4 - a new arts center.

In 2011, construction began on the Vernon Community Arts Center at the corner of Center Road and Hartford Turnpike.

The building was constructed in 1927 as the County Home School for children and it served in that capacity until 1950, when its students were integrated into the Vernon school system.

The building also housed kindergarten and adult education classes over the years.

The conversion has an estimated price tag of $1.7 million and it is being funded by two state grants.

In 2008, the town received a $300,000 grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, and lat last year, Vernon received $1.5 million from the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Construction is slated for a single phase and completion is targeted for late fall. The architectural firm of Quisenberry Arcari designed the building and A. Secondino & Son Inc. is the general contractor

The center will will feature a multi-purpose performance space, gallery space, meeting rooms and classrooms.

•

The countdown so far:

10. Community spirit.

9. Development.

8. 9/11 - a decade later.

7. Mears strikes a Heisman pose.

6. The Tasty Chick legend lives on.

5. Conway takes over as superintendent.