The Metro

The Building

The Metro building is a 70,000 sq. ft former factory located at the corner of South Prospect Street and Greenkill Avenue in Midtown Kingston. Originally built as The Pilgrim Furniture Company in 1948, the building later served as The Metropolitan Hall of Records. The building was vacant when it was purchased by the NoVo Foundation in the spring of 2022. Construction began in 2023.

Sustainably Focused

A model for green infrastructure, sustainable measures incorporated into The Metro include ensuring a carbon-neutral building performance by creating an ultra-high efficiency building. This has included a geothermal heating and cooling system, with a total of 32 new wells, in addition to the highest quality insulation, reused and recycled building materials, water conservation strategies, and more.

Vision

The space will offer a range of programs and opportunities for creative exploration, skill-building, entrepreneurial pathways, and meaningful making—with a commitment to being welcoming and inclusive, environmentally responsible, and developed in partnership with the community. The Metro team is continuing conversations with the community to co-create a space where learning and community thrive together. The contributions of the Youth Design team, as well as the previous community conversations, continue to inform the vision of the space.

The Metro’s mission is rooted in the belief that there is strength in community and we all have gifts to share, exchange, and grow. Joy and play, experimentation and exploration, and community learning can come together to break down barriers, uplift voices, open new pathways and possibilities, and contribute to a resilient and connected community. The Metro strives to complement creative and educational initiatives, amplify immersive learning for both youth and adults, and support emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses from Midtown Kingston and beyond—developing pathways to meaningful careers.