Welcome to Mount Ida Preservation Hall

Mount Ida Preservation Hall, a cherished landmark in our community at 548 Congress St., stands as a testament to our commitment to historical preservation and community enrichment. Owned and operated by the Mount Ida Preservation Association (MIPA), a registered 501 c3 non-profit organization, our mission is twofold: to safeguard the historical treasures of the Mount Ida Neighborhood and to cultivate a sense of community by providing valuable services and resources to both residents and visitors alike. Our focal undertaking is the restoration and revitalization of Mount Ida Preservation Hall.

Over the past several years MIPA has engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Mount Ida and fostering a connected community. Some of our key accomplishments include:

Local Food Pantry: Serving hundreds of individuals each month, we have become a reliable source of sustenance for our neighbors in need.

Community Brunch Series: Monthly community brunches and special election-themed brunch events provided a platform for meaningful interaction between residents and local political candidates.

Open Mic Nights: Four unforgettable Open Mic Nights in 2019 showcased local talent, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our community. Some thing we hope to bring back!

Kitchen Incubator: We supported local food start-ups, including Primo Botanica Chocolate, by providing them with access to our commercial kitchen.

Rental Space: Mount Ida Preservation Hall has been the venue of choice for a diverse array of events, from theater performances by the Will Kempe’s Players to contact improv classes, baby showers, art classes, and more.

Community Stewardship: We led volunteer efforts for Earth Day, focusing on the upkeep of the cemetery and the hall’s scenic grounds.

Looking ahead, our vision for Mount Ida Preservation Hall includes:

Performance Hall: We aspire to offer seasonal programming encompassing theatre and music, creating a vibrant hub for the performing arts in our community.

Gathering Spaces: Affordable rental options for both the Performance Hall and Activity Space, enabling local organizations and individuals to host events and gatherings.

Commercial Kitchen: A low-cost rental kitchen that will empower aspiring culinary entrepreneurs to bring their gastronomic creations to life.

Scenic Overlook Deck: A tranquil deck overlooking the picturesque Poestenkill Gorge, accessible to the entire community for moments of serene contemplation.

Our vision for Mount Ida Preservation Hall includes a planned series of phases as a non-exhaustive guide for our goals:

Phase 1: Secure the Building (Mostly complete)

· Stabilize the rock masonry of the steeple

· Repair holes in the roof

· Seal the eaves

· Install infrastructure to manage exterior drainage

Phase 2: Open the Performance Hall (In-Progress)

· Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy for the Performance Hall

· Upgrade the heating system

· Renovate the bathrooms

· Restore plasterwork

· Install exit signage

· Upgrade lighting

Phase 3: Restore the Exterior

· Install new Plexiglass coverings for all window

· Perform full exterior rock masonry stabilization

·  Repaint the trim

Phase 4: Revitalize the Interior

· Install epoxy flooring

·  Create a handicap-accessible bathroom and building access

·  Renovate the full kitchen

Phase 5: Create a Scenic Waterfall Overlook

·Construct a counter-levered deck for a scenic overlook of the Poestenkill Gorge

To achieve these ambitious goals for Mount Ida Preservation Hall, we have set a fundraising target of $350,000. Your support will be instrumental in securing the future of this cherished institution. Once this financial milestone is reached, our sustainable business plan will ensure the continued operation of the hall, with any proceeds reinvested to provide services to our community at cost.

Your involvement, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or attending our events, makes a tangible difference in the preservation of our history and the enrichment of our community. We invite you to join us in this exciting journey towards a more vibrant, culturally enriched, and connected Mount Ida.

If your so inclined take a jump over to our Donation page!

Mount Ida Preservation Association has no employees. All organization decisions are made by the board of directors. Actions are implemented by the board of directors, volunteers, or paid contractors. The board consists of 10 voting individuals: 4 officers positions, and 6 board member seats. Officer positions are annual terms, and board member positions are staggered three year terms. Elections for officer positions and eligible board member seats are held in December annually.