Historic Gift Kicks Off Launch of Public Phase of 53 Pioneer Street Project Giving
COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery have received a transformative $1.25 million pledge from Brent and Laura Nicklas in support of the 53 Pioneer Project, the renovation and restoration of 53 Pioneer Street in downtown Cooperstown. According to officials, this gift, coupled with an additional $250,000.00 matching grant established by the Nicklas family over the next two years, brings the project past its initial $2 million fundraising goal while expanding the project vision to include enhanced elements such as the garden, alley, and elevator, as well as addressing rising construction costs.
According to a recent press release, the restored facility will be named The Nicklas Building. Construction will begin pending final approval of a signed contract from the State of New York for funds awarded as part of the NY Forward grant received by the Village of Cooperstown in 2023. With these milestones achieved, “the project now broadens its public fundraising phase, inviting an additional $250,000.00 in matched contributions from local businesses and community members to strengthen this exceptional investment in the region’s cultural future,” officials said.
Brent and Laura Nicklas have been longtime supporters of the Cooperstown community. A Cooperstown native, Brent is the founder of Lexington Partners, a New York City-based investment firm with offices across the globe. Together, the Nicklas’ commitment to the arts and to civic life reflects a deep belief in the power of creativity to invigorate and connect communities, according to the release.
“The remarkable generosity of Brent and Laura Nicklas ensures that this project will not only reach its goals but exceed them,” said Janet G. Erway, executive director of CAA and The Smithy. “Their support allows us to realize the full vision for the Nicklas Building, inside and out, while also inspiring others to join us.
“As we enter the public phase of this campaign, we invite the community to help bring this landmark project to life, creating a vibrant cultural hub that will serve artists, residents, and visitors for generations to come,” Erway said.
Charles Kieler, chair of the 53 Pioneer Project Capital Campaign Committee, added, “The incredible commitment of Brent and Laura Nicklas has moved this project from vision to reality, providing the resources needed to expand its scope and impact. Their philanthropic spirit, together with the generous local gifts already pledged, reflects the strong belief in Cooperstown’s cultural future and the power of the arts to bring people together.
“The gift from Brent and Laura Nicklas is truly significant,” Kieler continued. “The matching portion is very important going forward in our fundraising, as this will allow us to tackle additional opportunities such as adding an elevator, upgrading the garden behind The Smithy and The Nicklas Building, improving the garden access between the two buildings, and to meet the rising costs of material and labor since we first envisioned this project over two years ago.”
The scope of the renovation project at 53 Pioneer Street totals 3,072 square feet—the full three-story interior—and the exterior façade. Once completed, officials said the Nicklas Building will provide exhibition space, retail space, flexible-use classroom, a commissary kitchen for teaching, and an indoor/outdoor event venue for the benefit and use of visitors and residents of the Village of Cooperstown and surrounding areas. Altonview Architects has been retained to design the new facility. Their plans emphasize green energy-efficient upgrades and the preservation of the building’s historic architectural features dating back to its original 1826 construction.
According to the press release, the building’s interior “will incorporate a flexible, modern design to elevate the visitor experience and support an expanded institutional vision.” Carmen Busch will partner with Altonview Architects to design the outdoor spaces, revitalizing the garden that connects 53 Pioneer Street with the adjacent Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, officials said.
During the newly launched public phase—boosted now by the Nicklas family matching fund— the campaign continues to seek commitments of financial support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government agencies, “ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and maximizing its benefit to the community.” To contribute, make checks payable to The Smithy with “53 Pioneer Project” on the memo line and mail to: The Smithy, 55 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown NY 13326. Those interested in making a multi-year pledge are asked to call (607) 547-9777 or e-mail gallery@cooperstownart.com.
