Our rental rates will be increasing on August 1. During the spring, we reviewed our rental rates and policies to align them with the goal of offering the Depot as a venue for the community while also being sustainable for the long term.
| Depot (up to 2 hrs.) | Non-profit Event Rate (public or private) | Small Business Event Rates | Business or Private Event Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Rates | $25 | $35 | $50 |
| New Rates | $45 | $65 | $75 |
Each additional hour beyond the first two hours will increase from $10 per hour to $20 per hour. In addition, a fully refundable $100 security deposit will be charged when the Depot or the Pavilion is rented. Please note that this is a flat fee and is NOT doubled if both are rented.
The cost to set-up the day before the event and/or clean-up the day after the event will remain at $10 per hour. (Reminder: Set-up and clean-up time the day of your event are NOT counted as rental time.)
Other changes:
- We have enhanced our rental interest form to automatically calculate your estimate rental cost based on the dates and the start and end times you select. This will provide more clarity and transparency.
- This summer, we also will be rolling out electronic payment options and invoicing, but renters are still welcome to mail us a paper check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you determine the new rates?
Our decision was informed by a survey of other locations in town offering rental space to the public and a level of income that would better meet our expenses.
Why raise rates now?
We delayed raising rates as an incentive to encourage rentals during the construction of the Transit Hub and Pavilion, which reduced the number of potential rental opportunities held at the depot because of noise, lack of parking, appearance, etc.
Why not have a flat rate for everyone?
We want the Depot to continue to serve as a community asset by encouraging public events by performers, artists, etc., for the community to attend as well as by supporting other local non-profits that serve the Northfield area. At the same time, we didn’t want to raise rates too high for local businesses or for individuals needing a larger space for their private events.
Will I have to pay the new rates if I’ve already scheduled my event(s)?
No, the new rates will go into effect only for new events scheduled on or after August 1.
Will the Pavilion rental rates be affected?
No, those will continue to align with the City’s park shelter reservation rates of $45 for half a day (1 to 4 hours) and $65 for a full day (up to 8 hours). (Note: The City of Northfield asked us to manage rental of the City-owned Pavilion; reservation requests can be submitted using the rental request form on our website.)
Will electronic payment options allow me to pay by credit card?
Yes, as well as numerous other methods.