North Star Community Hall (formerly The Champlain Club)

- 20 Crowley St, Burlington, VT 05401

Nestled in the heart of Burlington’s Old North End, North Star Community Hall, formerly known as The Champlain Club, is a vibrant and essential hub for arts, dance, and community connection. This historic venue, built in 1895, has a long-standing tradition of serving the people of Vermont as a space for sharing, learning, and celebrating. It’s a place where diverse groups and individuals come together for a wide range of activities, from dance classes and rehearsals to meetings, social events, and performances. The hall is not just a building; it's a testament to the power of community, maintained and cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers who ensure its beautiful, well-preserved spaces remain available to all.

The atmosphere at North Star Community Hall is consistently described as welcoming and vibrant. As one long-time attendee noted, it's a "great air-conditioned venue for dancing, with a very well-maintained dance floor," a rare and valuable feature in the area. This attention to detail in the upkeep of the venue is a clear reflection of the care and dedication of the volunteers. The hall is a special place where people feel comfortable and safe to express themselves, fostering a "very nice dance crowd" and a strong sense of belonging. The hall’s identity as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space is a point of pride, reinforcing its mission to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in the community.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this community hall is its volunteer-run nature. As one reviewer mentioned, it's "a large group of volunteers who come together to clean and maintain it," creating a shared sense of ownership and responsibility. This unique model allows the hall to offer low-cost rental arrangements for various community groups and individuals, making it an accessible venue for everyone from dance instructors to event organizers. This spirit of cooperation and shared stewardship is what truly makes North Star Community Hall a special place that embodies the best of Vermont’s community-oriented spirit.

North Star Community Hall is located at 20 Crowley St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. The venue's location in the Old North End is convenient for many local residents. However, it is important to note that the parking is described as "sparse" and visitors are advised to "get there early." The hall's official website suggests considering parking on surrounding streets or on North Avenue to avoid congestion on Crowley Street and to be mindful of not blocking neighbors' driveways. While the parking situation requires some planning, the vibrant community and excellent venue make it well worth the effort. The hall itself is a testament to historic architecture and charm, and its central location allows it to be a true nexus for local events.

The venue is committed to making its spaces comfortable for all, featuring gender-neutral toilets and a standard toilet. This is part of the hall's larger mission to be an inclusive and welcoming space. The hall is continuously working on upgrades and has a grant campaign underway to improve accessibility and make the space ADA compliant, which shows its forward-thinking approach and commitment to serving the entire community. The amenities, including accessible drinking water and a large coat closet in the main ballroom, add to the overall convenience and positive experience for attendees.

North Star Community Hall serves as a versatile space, providing a wide array of services for the community.

• Dance Classes: A primary use of the hall, with various dance classes from different instructors and groups offered weekly.
• Dance Socials: Popular events that bring together a "very nice dance crowd" for a night of music and social dancing.
• Performance Venue: The space is frequently rented out for concerts, recitals, and other artistic performances.
• Rehearsal Space: A low-cost option for theater troupes, dance companies, and musicians to practice.
• Meetings and Events: The hall's rooms are available for rent for community meetings, private parties, celebrations, and other events.
• Community Gatherings: The hall serves as a central point for various community groups and organizations.
• Workshops and Trainings: A space for educational workshops, training sessions, and seminars.
• Art and Music Events: A vibrant home for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents.

North Star Community Hall has several features and highlights that make it a cherished part of Burlington's community.

• Identifies as an **LGBTQ+ friendly** and **transgender safe space**, promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
• A **volunteer-run nonprofit** that ensures the space remains accessible and affordable for the community.
• One of the few remaining **wood-floor ballrooms** in Burlington, providing an ideal surface for dancers.
• Features **air-conditioned venues** to ensure comfort, even on the warmest days.
• Offers **two rooms with sound systems**, providing versatile options for different events.
• Amenities such as a large coat closet and accessible drinking water add convenience for guests.
• A long and storied history, with the building dating back to **1895**.
• Continual efforts to improve the space, with a focus on **ADA compliance and accessibility**.

For more information on events, rentals, or to get involved, you can contact North Star Community Hall.

Address: 20 Crowley St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA

What truly makes North Star Community Hall worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to being a true community resource. In a time when many spaces are driven by profit, the North Star Hall stands out as a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to serving the public. The low-cost rental model makes it possible for a wide variety of groups to host events, from dance classes to community meetings, that might otherwise be financially out of reach. This approach ensures that the hall remains a vibrant and dynamic space for all.

The atmosphere of safety and acceptance is another key factor. The hall’s explicit identification as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community sends a powerful message of inclusion, making it a destination where everyone feels they can be their authentic self. The beautifully maintained facilities, from the clean restrooms to the exceptional dance floor, are a direct result of the volunteer efforts, and they show a level of care that is palpable to all who visit. For anyone in the Burlington area looking for a place to dance, host an event, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, North Star Community Hall is an exceptional and highly recommended choice. It is a place where history, community, and the arts come together to create something truly special.

North Star Community Hall (formerly The Champlain Club)

20 Crowley St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA