Community Spotlight: Field Arts & Events Hall

First Fed Gives $2M to Field Hall to Support Local Economic Development

Along the waterfront in downtown Port Angeles, a new community space is taking shape. Field Arts & Events Hall will provide a world-class home for arts and events that provides access to cultural and educational experiences, and sparks economic activity throughout the region.

First Fed Bank has pledged $2 million to Field Hall to bolster economic development and support businesses in downtown Port Angeles.

“The people and businesses of Port Angeles have supported First Fed since we were founded almost 100 years ago,” said Matt Deines, CEO of First Fed and FNWB. “We are delighted to give $2 million to Field Hall, which will enhance the economic vitality and prosperity of downtown Port Angeles. It’s an honor to support a new community space to bring people together.”

^{First Fed Board of Directors with Field Arts & Events Hall leadership. Photo credit: Zoe Bowen.}

Downtown Port Angeles is currently going through an unprecedented period of revitalization. In response, the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce created Elevate PA, a 5-year strategic plan to guide changes to the downtown over the next five years.

“Field Hall will be the anchor for the downtown business district in Port Angeles,” said Mark Abshire, executive director of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. “It will have a huge economic and cultural impact in the greater region.”

Field Hall is designed to include a 500-seat multi-purpose auditorium and 300-seat state-of-the-art conference facility. From its waterfront perch with views of the mountains and water, Field Hall is well positioned to be the most significant space for arts, entertainment, and special events in the region. By our third year of operations, Field Hall and its patrons are projected to generate over $2.2M in local economic impact.

Field Hall programming will include First Fed Community Conversations, which will host leaders, authors, artists, debates, and other civic activities in the new world-class event space.

“First Fed is an outstanding community partner. We are excited to have their support of Field Hall and our upcoming event series,” shared Steve Raider-Ginsburg, Executive Director for Field Hall. “As a local community bank, First Fed is committed to bringing our community together to meet, engage, be entertained, and be inspired.”

First Fed’s donation is the largest corporate commitment to the project, bringing total funding to $46 million to date. First Federal Community Foundation donated $50,000 for Field Hall to apply for LEED certification which signifies the environmental quality and reduced carbon footprint of green buildings.

“The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce recently awarded First Fed the 2021 Organization Legacy Award for their tremendous support of businesses and non-profits in our community over many years,” added Abshire.

“First Fed's $2M commitment is a significant component of our financing plans to complete construction,” said Raider-Ginsburg. “First Fed has catapulted our project towards the finish line and for that, we are grateful.”

Development on the project halted during the pandemic but will start again with this new funding. On June 2, 2022, Field Hall leadership will host a community event and press conference to announce the new timeline for project completion. Discover more at fieldhallevents.org.

Field Arts & Events Hall

Port Angeles, WA
Founded in 2016
Size: TBA
Non-profit, Event
fieldhallevents.org

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^{Field Hall next to sŋaʔŋáʔant cáwŋən ʔəssaqɬúŋt (Pebble Beach Park) in Port Angeles. Photo credit: Adam Hunter, LMN Architects}

^{Field Arts & Events Hall interior, May 2021. Photo credit: Zoe Bowen.}

^{Field Arts & Events Hall exterior. Photo credit: Adam Hunter, LMN Architects}