After Raising $2.2 Million, Arts Group Ready to Close on Cogswell School

The George F. Cogswell School was built in 1891. It is located at 351 S. Main St.

After four years, the former George F. Cogswell School in Bradford is about to become the property of a private, nonprofit art center.

Creative Haverhill Project Manager Erin Padilla told city councilors recently the organization is ready to buy the 1891 school from the city for $175,000. The price represents $160,000 the organization agreed to pay in 2015 plus $15,000 in so-called “ticking fees” for the years in between. Even better, Padilla explained, the group is close to its fundraising goal to create the Cogswell ArtSpace.

“We have raised 80 percent of our $2.5 million to acquire and renovate the building so we’re really at the homestretch of this capital campaign,” she said.

The new art space will include studio, gallery and community gathering spaces for local artists to meet and show their work and classrooms to encourage creative programming.

Continuing its fundraising effort, Padilla said, a benefit concert, “Bach to Broadway,” takes place Saturday, June 15, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St., Haverhill. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 for a couple. Those interested may visit cogswellartspace.org.

Padilla said closing on the 351 South Main Street building should take place this month.

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