Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Grant from tourism office to fund designs for Center School

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts has received a six-figure grant that will help the nonprofit support the ongoing Center School reuse project.

In a press release, the HCA announced that it was awarded $110,000 in grant funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. The grant is intended to fund part of the architectural and engineering schematic designs for the building.

“The vision is to preserve the building’s historic exterior while reinventing the interior as a flexible, mixed-use space that will serve residents of all ages and strengthen Hopkinton’s cultural and civic life,” according to the press release.

The Center School project envisions the space held in a public-private partnership between the town and the HCA. If funded and completed, the renovated building would house the Parks & Recreation and Youth & Family Services departments. The HCA would have classroom space for arts programming, and the building would provide needed community meeting and activity space.

Voters at Annual Town Meeting last year approved a $600,000 article to fund construction bid documents and engineering plans through Community Preservation funds. The total project cost is anticipated at $10 million. The HCA would be responsible for $4 million of that price tag.

HCA’s executive director, Kelly Grill, stated in the press release that the Center School project represents a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” She added that the grant award is aimed toward “responsible funding” and investment in the community while respecting shared resources.

The Community Preservation Committee is set to request an additional $2 million for Center School at this year’s Annual Town Meeting. The money would fund removal of hazardous material and demolition of parts of the building to make the project more appealing to contractors.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

According to court records, Marathon School assistant principal Eric Mitchell, who is on administrative leave, received probation last year for assault and battery after a 2024 incident at a Plainville casino.

The Board of Health on Monday raised concerns over a drinking well variance request submitted by Wall Street Development Corporation for a property on North Mill Street.

Hopkinton High School boys basketball coach Tom Keane said his team is young this year and is focusing on speed and quickness to compete in a strong Tri-Valley League.

The latest Senior Snippets provides information on the Hopkinton Senior Center’s winter weather policy, a program about downsizing and income tax assistance.

Hopkinton boys lacrosse parents will host a meat raffle fundraiser on Jan. 31 at the Woodville Rod & Gun Club.

Town meetings tonight include the Cemetery Commission (6:30), Board of Appeals (7) and Hopkinton Historic District Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

With warmer temperatures leading to a January thaw, a small mound of icy snow remains in a downtown yard.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR