New Creative Space Coming To Old Mill Complex In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A space where folks can gather to chill, think and simply be creative is coming to a vacancy in the historic Hilliard Mills complex in Manchester.

It is to be called Avenue B Collective and it is the vision of owner Kristen Greenier, who signed a lease for the space this month. It is to be located in its own little enclave near the 2nd Bridge Brewing Company at 642 Hilliard St.

"For years, I've had the idea of creating a place where people could simply come as they are — a welcoming space where creativity becomes a reason to slow down, meet new people, and spend time together ... somewhere you don't have to be good at art to belong," Greenier said. "As I looked around our area, I realized there aren't many places where tweens, teens, and adults can gather without the expectation of buying a meal, joining a formal class, or already knowing someone. I wanted to create a neighborhood space where making something with your hands naturally leads to confidence and also connections."

Avenue B will not be a traditional art studio.

"It will offer open studio sessions with creative stations like collage, junk journaling, miniatures, thrift flips, a lending library, and other hands-on projects designed to encourage curiosity rather than perfection," Greenier said.

Greenier said when she first saw the space inside the historic Hilliard Mills complex, it felt "especially meaningful because the building itself has such a rich history of making and craftsmanship."

She added, "It's exciting to imagine creativity continuing there in a new way. Plus the owner/manager Peter has done such an amazing job bringing this campus of buildings back to life."

Greenier said the business will rent space as a sort-of "creative neighborhood clubhouse."

She added, "I want to invite people that are looking for a place to either discover or re-discover what being creative means to them. I'll provide the supplies, the space, the whole vibe — if they bring an open mind and curiosity. This is where tweens, teens and adults can go and simply exist somewhere. You don't have to be good at anything, just a willingness to see what inspires you."

For example, she said, say someone books a seat online and comes in during the 2 to 4 p.m. session on a Wednesday in November. The person puts his or her stuff down, while picking out a seat and maybe grabbing a cup of coffee.

"The person wanders over to the lending library of books and something inspires them to head over to the supply area and all of a sudden they're lost in the making — in the zone — and what feels like two minutes later ... we're wrapping up the session," she said.

Who is it for?

"Maybe someone that used to make things, then life took over ... someone who thinks they're not creative ... someone in need of a destination, to just get out of the house ... someone that loves a cozy spot ... someone that enjoys creating alongside others that love the same thing..and someone that wants to take a screen break," Greenier said.

Ages?

"I want Avenue B to be a gap-filler. Connecticut is pretty amazing as far as programs/activities for the littles. Then, it kind of drops off, so where do the tweens and beyond go, especially if they're not into sports? They need a space to hang with friends but not always at a restaurant," Greenier said.

Where does it all comes from?

"I was the kid in school that spent more time looking out the window, or at the colorful pull down map on the chalkboard, and never worked out math problems on math paper, but it was perfect for making comics," Greenier said.

She added, "I'm setting out to build the kind of place I've always wanted to exist ... a place where people can slow down, make something with their hands and leave feeling like they belong somewhere."

Avenue B Collective is being targeted for an opening late this summer or early in the fall.