By Kolby R. LaMarche

Memorial Auditorium, built in 1927 to honor World War I veterans, stood as a cornerstone of downtown for decades, hosting events until its 2016 closure due to structural issues from decades of neglected maintenance. 

For some time, Burlingtonians have heard and seen multiple efforts to restore the landmark, but given continued graffiti, homeless encampments, and a lack of money, the city last week has decided to install a $14,000 art fence to mask its problems. 

Renovation plans for Memorial Auditorium have consistently failed. A 2019 proposal to lease the space through an LLC fell apart over funding disputes. A 2020 plan for a mixed-use cultural hub stalled during COVID-19 budget constraints. In 2022-2023, bids to convert the site into housing or an arts center collapsed, with costs estimated at $30-$45 million deemed too high for voter-approved bonds. In 2024, the city entered a pre-development agreement with developers Eric Farrell and Joe Larkin to explore redeveloping the Memorial Block, but no timeline or concrete plans have yet emerged this year.

Last week, Burlington City Arts (BCA) unveiled a 360-foot art installation of banners by ten local artists, including Amanda Amend, Jay Ashman, and Giovanina Bucci, along Main and South Union Streets, funded by a $14,000 City Council allocation. The banners, displaying “Welcome to Burlington” in multiple languages, aim to deter graffiti and enhance the auditorium’s appearance as a city “gateway.” 

Graffiti has long marred the site, with unauthorized markings popping up years ago as a persistent issue around the auditorium and nearby vacant buildings like the former YMCA, now being renovated. The city’s ordinances allow fines up to $500 for graffiti, but enforcement has been hard, giving artists free reign over certain buildings. 

Homeless encampments have also persisted around the auditorium. In 2023, city crews cleared bedding and debris from the site’s steps, where individuals sought shelter amid Burlington’s housing shortage. 

Compounding the issue, Main Street in front of the auditorium has been undergoing construction, with curbs and other infrastructure being reinstalled. This closure, ongoing through this summer, limits vehicle access, making it difficult for drivers to actually view the installation meant to welcome them to the city, let alone stop and view it. Pedestrians can still see the banners, but the reduced visibility undercuts the project’s goal as a “gateway” feature.