Our History.
The Amazing Things Arts Center was founded in 2004 to bring together a diverse community of artists, arts supporters and arts appreciators of all ages, cultures and interests in a supportive and nurturing environment. Although the first three years were spent in north Framingham in a small storefront in the historic village of Saxonville, it was clear by 2006, after repeated sell out weekend performances, that a larger venue was needed. In May 2007, at a Framingham Town Hall Meeting, a vote was passed to lease the Historic downtown Hollis Street Firehouse to Amazing Things for a period of 50 years for $1 per year!
That same year, as part of our agreement to renovate the Hollis Street Firehouse over a ten year period, we began a Capital Campaign to complete the necessary first phase building improvements. The Board of Amazing Things raised over $250,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from individuals and companies who donated time and resources to prepare the space.
Work completed during this phase included a repaired and newly painted performance space, electrical system replacement, new lighting installation, bathroom and kitchen upgrades, office renovations, a newly paved parking lot, outdoor landscaping, and partial restoration of brickwork to the façade of the building. Although we were pleased with our accomplishments, it was only the beginning of our commitment to restore the building.
We officially settled into our new home during the summer of 2008, and immediately went about the business of bringing the center to life. With a performance seating capacity of 180 and space for art exhibits, classrooms and lectures, we would begin to realize goals we had only dreamed of – goals that we had identified in our 2005 Strategic Plan but had not thus far been able to put into action. We were finally able to involve larger and more diverse audiences and members in a way that would not only expand the community's awareness of Amazing Things' offerings, but would also contribute to the economic development and renewal of a challenged area.
