The Township issued the formal announcement this afternoon.
Read below:
Former Maplewood Woman's Club is now
"The Woodland"
The
Maplewood Township Committee is pleased to announce the opening of THE
WOODLAND, a community owned facility formerly known as The Maplewood
Woman’s Club. Located steps from the heart of Maplewood Village at 60
Woodland Road, The Woodland will serve as a venue for a broad slate of
Township sponsored cultural, educational and recreational activities and
also be available for rental to the general public.
In a statement, Mayor Victor DeLuca said, “we are thrilled that this important building with its rich and storied history will continue to serve as a hub for Maplewood’s vibrant cultural and civic life.” He added “I expect that The Woodland will quickly become a valued asset and great source of pride for the Community.”
To ensure that this beloved property would continue to serve the
community, the Township of Maplewood purchased it from the Woman’s Club
organization in 2013.
During its eight decades as the Woman’s Club, The Woodland played a memorable role in the lives of many Maplewood residents. From 6th grade spelling bees and high school proms, to wedding receptions and decades of performances by the Strollers Community Theatre, countless touchstone moments have taken place within its walls.
During its eight decades as the Woman’s Club, The Woodland played a memorable role in the lives of many Maplewood residents. From 6th grade spelling bees and high school proms, to wedding receptions and decades of performances by the Strollers Community Theatre, countless touchstone moments have taken place within its walls.
With almost 7,000 square feet of usable space, The Woodland will instantly ease the strain on other municipal facilities and afford greater opportunities for expanded recreational and cultural programming. The newly renovated Parlor and rehabilitated Great Hall have already begun housing classes and private parties and are immediately available for bookings.
Boasting extraordinary architectural detail, including a 40 foot high coffered barrel ceiling and sprawling hardwood floor, the spacious Great Hall can accommodate over 400 people in a wide variety of configurations. The Parlor, with its original crown
molding and two fireplaces has a comforting and intimate feel, yet can easily host parties, business functions and formal receptions with up to 150 guests.
The building itself remains in need of extensive rehabilitation. Only two of the three floors are currently certified for occupancy. The industrial sized kitchen remains unusable and the third floor, which contains two massive and several small rooms (that once served as home for the building’s caretaker) await renovation and the eventual installation of an elevator. The immediate goal is to keep The Woodland’s usable spaces active while the overall structure is stabilized and carefully returned to its former glory.
In spite of the work yet to be done, The Woodland is open for business. Throughout the summer, it will host a variety of classes in the Great Hall including Aerobics, Tai Chi, Pilates, Zumba and others, while the delightful music program for very young children, Music For Aardvarks will run Monday through Wednesday mornings in the Parlor.
Several private parties have already been scheduled in the Parlor and beginning this fall the local philanthropic organization Rent Party will use the Great Hall for their hugely popular concert series. According to Rent Party’s founder Chris Dickson, "Rent Party is very excited about moving our shows to The Woodland. It's a great facility and we are happy to support the Township’s efforts to revitalize this wonderful building."
The Township Committee has also encouraged The Maplewood Arts Council to contribute programming ideas and assist in the development a long term vision for the facility. Arts Council co-chair Marcy Thompson states, "The members of the Maplewood Arts Council are exploring ways in which The Woodland can be woven into the cultural life of this community. We are enthusiastic about its vast potential, and are working hard to assure that its historical and artistic significance are central to its future."
Operating under the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs, this unique venue and public space is poised to begin the next chapter in its life as; The Woodland.
For more information or to schedule an event, go to the Parks and Facilities pages at the Township website www.twp.maplewood.nj.us or call (973) 640-0399.
No comments:
Post a Comment