The Campaign for State Street Square

An Our Town Foundation project that will serve the community today and tomorrow

State Street Square Project, Hamburg PA

The Goal

In 2015, Our Town Foundation purchased a one-acre vacant lot in downtown Hamburg with the goal of developing the property into an outdoor community hub – one where friends and families gather to enjoy outdoor events, live performances, and cultural activities. These events will create an engaging, vibrant community thereby increasing the economic vitality of the town.

The Plan

Development plans include erecting an approximate 3,000 sq. ft one-story structure which will have a storage area for equipment and furnishings (tables, chairs, canopies, street barricades, etc.) that are necessary to host events. The structure will include a stage with roof cover in the front of the building. A seating area will be placed on the side of the structure. If funding permits, public restrooms will be installed as well as a kitchenette with access windows for serving food to the public. A parking lot will be constructed at the rear of the lot.

Rear view of projected building design*

State Street Square Project, Hamburg PA
Side view of projected building design*
State Street Square Project, Hamburg PA

Stage view of projected building design*

*Design dependent on funding, changes may apply

Proposed Events

Holiday Festivities
Hamburg Hoopla
Cruise Nights
Bocce Ball Competitions
Game Nights
Poetry Readings
Storytelling for Kids
Outdoor Theatrical Plays
Arts Festivals
Wine Tasting Events
Local Musical Performances
Music in the Park Lunch Series
Educational Workshops
Monthly Flea Markets & Yard Sales

The Cost

Due to the increasing expense of building materials, the cost of the project has skyrocketed over the past few years. The initial cost of the building was estimated to be around $200,000. The actual contractor bids received were over $500,000! Therefore, the overall development will be completed in phases as funding is received. Several phases have already been completed using funding from several grant sources. Our next phase is the construction of the shell of the facility as well as the stage, which is estimated to cost $350,000. Our Town Foundation has received a grant from the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development office in the amount of $200,000 to assist with this expense; however, we must secure the additional $150,000 before we can proceed.

Contributions to Date

Construct shell of building – partially funded by DCED ($200,000)

Place water, sewer, and gas lines – funded by Giant Corp./Keep America Beautiful ($15,000)

Complete on-site stormwater management and construct gravel parking lot – funded by Berks County American Rescue Plan ($115,000)

Design architectural drawings – funded by the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival ($25,000)

Design land development and stormwater management plans – funded by Berks County Community Foundation and the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival ($20,000) and services donated by Crossroads Engineering Group, LLC

State Street Square Project, Hamburg PA

Give Change to Make a Change

How You Can Help

We are asking for the community’s support in making the State Street Square Development project a reality. Businesses or individuals can make a one-time donation or pledge a three-year commitment. Our goal is to secure a minimum of $150,000 which is needed to construct the building shell and stage area. Once this phase is completely funded and built, the Foundation will focus on the next phase of the project. If for some reason the project cannot come to fruition, all donations received will be returned to the respective donor. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our Town Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered with the PA Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

  • All donations will receive a federal tax deduction of 100% of donation as permitted by law
  • Donations of $2,500 or more may be split into three yearly payments
  • Prominent name recognition will be displayed on the property for any donation of $5,000 or more
  • In-kind donations of services will also be appreciated

Naming rights are available for the facility, stage, and concession area
(for more information, please contact Our Town Foundation)

Thank you for your support.

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