Founded in 1977, the Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) is an artist-driven and community-based organization dedicated to understanding ourselves and our social context through photography and visual culture. Its mission is to effect social change through innovative and inspiring programs that explore photography as a medium for understanding ourselves, our communities, and our society. CPW uses critical exhibitions of contemporary and historical photography, public programs, research, and teaching to rethink conventions of how we see and engage with the world. In 2021, CPW moved from Woodstock to Kingston, New York, to engage with a more diverse community that matched programming and strategic goals.

The Scoping Grant will result in an assessment of the existing structure—the Van Slyke & Horton Cigar factory in the Midtown Arts District—and an evaluation of the feasibility of various sustainability options, given the historic nature of the building. Spearheaded by architect, Lopergolo + Bartling, M/E Engineering, and Steven Winter Associates, the work will include a comprehensive analysis of potential benefits and risks of various insulation treatments by examining the building site, including the current condition and material characteristics of the thermal enclosure assemblies. It will assess the feasibility of system improvements to HVAC, as well as the viability of installing geothermal wells in the parking lot and solar panels on the roof.