Greenwich residents are making an economic case for turning the town-owned Havemeyer Building into a performing arts center, arguing it would drive more foot traffic to Greenwich Avenue shops and restaurants than a hotel ever could.

Two letters published in the Greenwich Sentinel envision the building as a multi-use arts hub, with concerts, lectures, movies and nonprofit events pulling regional audiences into downtown on evenings and weekends — and, the writers argue, into nearby restaurants and shops before and after showtime.

Richard Shulze, author of one letter, pointed to the United Theatre in Westerly, R.I. — profiled in the Sentinel just a week earlier — as proof an arts anchor can revitalize a downtown. His verdict on the alternative was blunt: "The idea of another hotel in Town makes NO sense — it would do nothing for our Town, rather increase the competition for our local restaurants, hotels, etc." Shulze wrote that several performing arts organizations, which he didn't name, have already expressed interest in helping activate the space, and he urged the committee weighing Havemeyer's future to think bigger picture rather than chase quick lease revenue from private investors.

A second letter published the same day made a related point: Greenwich's arts and nonprofit groups don't have a true central public home, and flexible programming — everything from chamber music to community forums — could keep the building busy throughout the week, not just on weekends.

The push for a performing arts center goes back further than this week's letters. At a public input session held by the Havemeyer RFP Committee in June 2025, most attendees said they'd rather see a community use than a hotel. Suzanne Lio, executive director of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, put the question to the room directly at that session: "Does Greenwich need another hotel when the ones we have aren't at capacity?"

First Selectman Fred Camillo's office hasn't announced a timeline for a final decision, though Camillo has already convened two separate task forces to study the building's future as part of the review process. No formal vote or hearing date has been set yet. Residents who want to weigh in can contact the First Selectman's office or keep an eye on the town's official meeting calendar for updates.