Pagrovians band together to raise funds to return the shine to historic Chautauqua Hall.

A lecture hall, Sunday school, dance studio, Boy Scout headquarters, gym and tent storage during the winter between summer Methodist camp sessions in the late 1800s. Pacific Grove’s Chautauqua Hall has served many purposes over 143 years since it was constructed in 1881. It’s been renovated a few times, but it’s long overdue for a revamp.

“Our goal is to make it desirable for weddings, anniversaries and events,” says Jean Anton of Friends of Chautauqua Hall, under the umbrella of the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove. The historic post and beam building with a truss roof could make for a charming event space. The goal is to raise $1 million over two years.

Currently, the space hosts small gatherings such as a dance club on Saturday nights and Jazzercise classes during the day.

The city of Pacific Grove acquired the hall in 1922 and is responsible for ongoing maintenance, but large projects have necessitated private donations. The last major renovation project was financed with donations in 2005.

Now the Society wants to make changes that will make it more usable for events, like a fresh coat of paint, remodeled bathrooms and other improvements. They’d also like to hire an acoustical engineer, since the high ceiling hampers sound quality, says Steve Honegger, president of the society and a former P.G. councilmember. (Donations are being accepted online through the Heritage Society website, pacificgroveheritage.org/chautauqua-hall-project-2024, or by check.)

In addition to the fundraising efforts, the city is applying to have the hall added to the National Register of Historic Places – it made the state’s list in 1970.