SUPPORT OUR VISION
Thanks to your support, we now own the historic Porter Building at 280 Main Street! As we prepare to move from our 1,200 sq. ft. Sudden Street space, we’re raising funds to transform 12,000 sq. ft. into a vibrant cultural hub for our community. Help us bring this vision to life!
History & Acquisition
In 2023, PVA proudly became the owner of the historic Porter Building, after several years of negotiations with the City of Watsonville and strong community support. This milestone was made possible by the generosity of an individual donor and a $540,000 grant from the Hewlett Foundation, administered by Community Vision Capital and Consulting.
Built in 1903 and designed by architect William Weeks, the Porter Building has served many roles in the community, including as a Post Office. It has withstood floods and the 1989 earthquake and continues to stand at the corner of Main and Maple Streets, at the heart of Watsonville’s historic and civic districts.
With the support of our community, the Porter Building is now a cornerstone for PVA’s next chapter, ready to become a vibrant hub for arts and culture. Letters in support of PVA proposal for Porter Building
Consolidation & Move-In
After 40 years of building community through the arts, PVA is taking a bold step: by the end of 2025, we will fully consolidate operations and move into the historic Porter Building. Bringing all programs under one roof ensures long-term stability and expands our community impact.
To get the building move-in ready, we launched a Move-In Match Campaign in summer 2025. Thanks to a generous donor and the incredible support of our PVA community, we raised over $60,000 to fund fresh paint, upgraded lighting, professional hanging systems, and welcoming spaces for exhibitions, youth workshops, and community gatherings.
This milestone brings us closer to opening the doors to a vibrant, inclusive home for the arts in Watsonville. Join us in this exciting transition—donate today and help us bring the Porter Building to life.
Our Vision
The Porter Building will be a central hub for the arts in Watsonville, featuring gallery exhibits, live performances, workshops, studios, and retail space. It will provide dedicated spaces for local artists and diverse opportunities for creative learning for all ages.
Even as we prepare to move in at the end of 2025, we are already taking steps toward this vision—developing programs, building partnerships, and creating spaces that foster creativity and community.
Beyond the building itself, this project will support a revitalized downtown, strengthen arts and civic partnerships, and create a new cultural destination for the region.
Join us—partner and donate today to help bring this vision to life!
Porter Building Campaign
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Main Gallery – $250,000
- Staging Room – $50,000
- Front Window Recognition – $25,000+
- Artist Studios – $25,000 per studio
- Workshop Space – $25,000
- Lounge – $25,000
- *Facilities & Operations – pricing varies
- Outdoor Event Area – $100,000
- Patio Benches – $5000
- Patio Bricks – $1000 each
*Facilities & Operations Donor Opportunities menu:
Restrooms ($30K per, includes name etched in mirror)
Electrical & storage closets ($10K each with door plaque) Elevator ($20K) Gallery & Performance lighting ($25K), WiFi
($50K with custom network name)