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  • P-R PHOTO/ROB FOUNTAIN Buffalo Architectural Casting workers paint the interior of the historic Strand Theater on Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. The project is moving toward completion, with $500,000 remaining to be raised to match a grant for the renovation. --

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October 18, 2012

Getting by with a little help

By ROBIN CAUDELL Press-Republican

PLATTSBURGH — Half a million dollars more will complete restoration of the historic Strand Theater in Plattsburgh.

The recent application of paint, burgundy and cream, elevates the elegance level of the work-in-progress.

“The ceiling was full of holes,” said Leigh Mundy, president of the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts Board of Directors.

“They’ve covered anything that was missing. The sprinkler heads are in the new balcony. The new furnace system is going in while we’re speaking. It’s so cool to see the transformation.”

‘COMING ALIVE’

Buffalo Architectural

Casting was chosen for the painting contract.

“We had local people, and they said, ‘You want these people to do this.’ They are going really quickly. The plaster work was done last month; now they have started the painting. It’s coming alive. I’m so excited.”

Matching funds of $500,000 remain to be raised for the approximately $4 million Strand Performance Arts Center project.

“Jeffords Steel donated new fire escapes on both sides worth $40,000,” Mundy said.

Schonbek Worldwide Lighting is designing and creating the theater’s pièce de résistance.

“They are going to create a crystal chandelier for the theater.”

In old newspaper accounts, the chandelier was described as an upside-down wedding cake.

“We’re talking a 12-foot-to-15-foot chandelier.”

Schonbek is giving the chandelier to the Strand at cost and donating $25,000 toward the fixture’s purchase price.

MATCHING 1924

The theater’s palette is a close match to the original interior.

“We’re trying to keep it as close to 1924 as possible. We’re so excited about what the contractors have done,” Mundy said.

Noon Rotary donated $50,000 to the project. 

“P.C. Construction, Luck Brothers and Stay Brothers came and did $10,000 worth of work. They removed a wall and built steps for egress. Graymont donated concrete and stone we needed for the basement.”

Reframing of the decorative niches is in progress.

“We had to shore them up because the organ pipes weigh 4,000 to 5,000 pounds,” Mundy said.

ECP Business Envelope donated ceiling insulation, an in-kind donation of $30,000.

“We have raised, since last summer, over $900,000 from banks and people,” Mundy said. “The businesses have been so generous, and we’re just now writing letters to the general public to bring it home, to raise this last $500,000.”

Email Robin Caudell:

rcaudell@pressrepublican.com

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