10/15/2026
KEEP THE LANDMARK STANDING | THE ROOF & STEEPLE
As we continue sharing more about the needs of our historic building, we want to talk about what protects everything inside it: our roof.
Over the past year alone, the Landmark has spent at least $10,000 on roof-related maintenance, repairs, and replacement quotes. We have also received a quote of more than $50,000 for a new roof. These expenses add up quickly, and the little over $3,000 we have raised through roof-specific fundraisers (our Raise the Roof campaign and fundraisers specifically for the roof) over the past two years doesn't even cover what we've spent in a single year.
So, why are we having so many issues?
Our building is literally built into the side of a mountain. The rock of the mountainside itself is built INTO the building. It used to be the back wall of the building- until some of our volunteers built a wall to keep the weather out. While this is part of what makes the Landmark such a unique and historic space, it also creates challenges that many buildings simply don't face. Dirt, mud, grass, trees, and other debris from the mountainside can make their way onto our roof, creating ongoing maintenance concerns.
We've also dealt with significant windstorms and severe weather over the past several years, damage resulting from people accessing the roof without permission or reasoning in the past, and repairs that ultimately required additional work because the original work wasn't done properly. On top of these challenges, roofs naturally deteriorate with age. We've continued addressing problems as they arise, but temporary repairs cannot replace the long-term solution our building needs.
And then there is our steeple.
More than 100 years old, our steeple is beginning to tilt. We have had it evaluated, and we want to be very clear: the steeple is currently safe. There is no immediate safety concern based on that evaluation. However, its age and movement mean that future repairs will be important to preserving its structural integrity.
We understand that a new roof is a major investment. The quote exceeding $50,000 is something we are taking seriously, and before committing to anything, we are continuing to explore every available option. We believe our community deserves transparency, and we will continue sharing information about the challenges, costs, and decisions ahead as we learn more.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our roof-specific fundraisers over the past two years. Every dollar raised, every person who participated, and every person who helped spread the word has made a difference. The little over $3,000 raised for the roof over the past two years is something to be proud of, and we truly appreciate the people who have helped us get this far. At the same time, the cost of maintaining a building like the Landmark is significant, and our roof-related expenses over the past year alone have exceeded what those fundraisers brought in.
We know we cannot do this alone, and we are thankful to have a community that cares about the future of the Landmark. We are continuing to explore every option and will keep sharing updates as we learn more.
The Landmark has stood in Sutton for generations. It is a place where our community gathers, where young people discover their talents, and where the arts bring people together. We want to protect that place for generations to come.
💜 Help us keep the Landmark standing.
If you have already contributed, thank you for being part of this effort. If you are able to give, share our campaign, or help us spread the word, we would be grateful to have you alongside us.
Donate to our Keep the Landmark Standing campaign:
https://www.onthestage.tickets/landmark-studio-for-the-arts/campaigns/keep-the-landmark-standing-6543
