In 2021, a passionate group of volunteers imagined what Goethe Lodge #592 could become. When everyone was longing for connection in those pandemic years, we envisioned a vibrant community center that would stand on the shoulders of the once thriving German immigrant neighborhood of Crowley Street. We enlisted partners and stakeholders to preserve this historic cultural hub. Since then, people have returned and the building has been renovated step by step, phase by phase. One big challenge remains: accessibility.
A Place to Belong — Then and Now
In the late 1800s, the Hall was constructed as a social and ‘benevolent’ club to benefit the community. Historically known as the ‘German Club’ and more recently as the ‘Champlain Club’, this neighborhood space has sustained its purpose as a home for gatherings, dance, and music traditions for more than a century. In 2022, we renamed ourselves the North Star Community Hall.
As a nonprofit Community Trust, the Hall is preserved as a community center for celebrations, socializing, performing arts, music, and dance in the heart of Burlington’s diverse Old North End.
Where Community Gathers
Inside the 4,000-square-foot Hall, a large auditorium serves as a vibrant gathering space, with rehearsals, concerts, dances, lectures, celebrations, and community potlucks. Every week, hundreds of people use this gorgeous space. The Hall is home to several dance communities—African Dance, Swing Dancers, Ballroom, and Tango.
Three multipurpose rooms on the first floor offer smaller spaces for gatherings, meetings, music lessons, and socializing. Our small catering kitchen is essential for many events.
Board members and a large community of skilled volunteers run and manage the building. With affordable hourly rental rates and the dedication of many volunteers, the Hall is well-used, well-loved, and well-resourced for daily operations.
Our Challenge: Accessibility
Renovations have been made possible by generous donors, grants, and many, many hours of volunteer labor. The good news: the building’s bones are strong—the roof is solid, and the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems are sound. We have restored three exterior walls and weatherized much of the building. The Hall has never looked so good!
But the Hall is not ADA accessible. The first floor is four steps below grade, and the auditorium is on the second floor. The final phase of the Hall’s restoration addresses this critical need.
Partners, Supporters, Advisors
Project Team
- Campaign Co-Chairs: Charlene Wallace & Brian Pine
- Restoration Committee: Charlene Wallace, John Antram, Lola Houston, Janice Dawley, Treasurer
Grants and Major Gifts
- Vermont Housing Conservation Board (VHCB)
- Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV)
- Vermont Dept of Historic Preservation (VDHP)
- Vermont “Building Communities” Grant (VBGS)
- Vermont Arts Council (two grants)
- Anonymous Foundations (2)
- Mascoma Bank Foundation
- Pomerleau Family Foundation
- Board President, John Antram
In-kind Technical Assistance & Support
- Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) provided an accessibility analysis and report.
- Burlington’s Community and Economic Development office (CEDO) provides technical advice.
- Liz Curry of Commonland Solutions and the team at Burlington Electric Department (BED) have helped with extensive in-kind consultations and advice.
- IN MEMORIAM. Sylvia Heininger was a beloved member of the German community that founded the Hall. Sylvia provided invaluable information about the building’s history, donating historical documents to the University of Vermont Archives.
Professional Consultants
- Energy Coop of Vermont performed a low-cost energy audit, recommending extensive attic and wall insulation and air sealing measures.
- Scott Newman of Section 106 Associates wrote a Conditions Assessment report and continues to provide historic preservation recommendations and input on a volunteer basis.
- Duncan Wisniewski Architects developed the ADA accessibility design and specifications.
- Maeve McBride & Christine Graham of CPG Enterprises advise on fundraising.
We’re grateful for this tremendous community of support!
Once installed, a wheelchair lift and accessible restrooms will ensure that everyone—neighbors, elders, artists, and kids—can share in the Hall’s exceptional community events. Full accessibility means greater versatility—more opportunities and increased participation.
Why Now?
We are well on our way, but the timing is urgent!
- Phase 1: $153,497 raised, east and west sides restored and insulated, electrical upgraded, attic sealed and insulated—completed in 2022.
- Phase 2: $74,828 raised, front side restored and insulated—completed in 2023.
- Phase 3: In progress!
- $361,000 budget
- Architectural drawings completed
- $151,000 raised as of Oct 2025*
* Some of our secured funds must be used in 2026. We plan to begin construction of Phase 3 by August 2026.
Please support this final phase. You can ensure this beloved Hall is fully restored and accessible for all.
Please be in touch if you have questions. Thank you!
Budget – Phase 3
Expenses
| Wheelchair Lift Addition & Accessibility Modifications | $298,000 |
| North Side Exterior Restoration | $4,000 |
| North Side & Basement Insulation & Weatherization | $11,500 |
| Architect & Administrative | $18,000 |
| Construction Contigency | $29,800 |
| Total Cost | $361,300 |
Funds Raised to Date
| Grants | $85,000 |
| Family Foundations | $25,000 |
| Major Gifts | $25,000 |
| Community Gifts | $16,000 |
| Total Secured | $210,300 |
Ways to Give
There are many ways you can support us:
- Cash, check, credit card or PayPal
- Gifts of stock or mutual funds
- Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
- Qualified charitable contributions from IRAs, RMDs, or other retirement accounts
We’d love to talk with you about any of these alternatives.
Charlene Wallace, Campaign Chair
802-363-7439 friends@goethecommunitytrust.org
Fundraising assistance partially supported by a grant from Preservation Trust of Vermont