By JIMMY LAWTON

HEUVELTON -- The latest phase of the Pickens Hall restoration project will bring handicap accessibility and fire escapes to the historic building.

Heuvelton Historical Association President David Kingsley said an elevator will allow access to all three floors of the building for the physically disabled and elderly and provide greater safety in the event of an emergency.

"This will be a three story addition on the back of the building housing an elevator," he said. "It's going to mean people who can't access our events on the second floor, will be able to. Some people just can't do the twenty stairs."

The project will also include a handicap accessible bathroom.

Access is important, as Pickens has become a central location for St. Lawrence County musicians to gather and even brought some touring bands.

Most recently, the hall hosted a performance from Runaway Home, a bluegrass band from Nashville.

Kingsley said the show drew 140 people to the hall's second floor, which has a capacity of about 170.

"It was a pretty good turnout. Good enough that the band was interested in coming back," he said.

A video released by Runaway Home featuring Pickens Hall can be seen at http://runawayhomemusic.com/whats-new/.

The hall also draws local folk and bluegrass musicians and fans with its monthly jam sessions.

Bluegrass jams are held on the third Monday of every month, while folk sessions are held on the fourth Tuesday.

While the third phase of the project is underway, Kingsley said the hall is far from complete.

He said the Heuvelton Historical Association will need to raise $200,000 to pay the match needed to finish the third floor, which will house a community opera house.

He said a private donor has pledged $100,000 and will offer another $100,000 if the association is successful in raising its share.

"This addition is huge. We have to come up with the rest of the funding for it," he said.

Pickens General store operates out of the first floor of the hall. Sales from the store help offset project costs, but Kingsley said donations are still needed.

Kingsley said portions of the project were funded through Empire State Development and Restore New York grants obtained in 2010.

For more on the Pickens Hall project visit the Heuvelton Historical Association's website at http://heuvelton.org/.