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ESD Announces Grand Opening of the Argyle Theatre, the Transformation Of Babylon Village Movie Theater into State-Of-The-Art Live Theatrical Venue

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the grand opening of The Argyle Theatre, the transformative renovation of the historic Babylon Village Movie Theater into a 480-seat live theatrical venue. The $3 million project by Main Street Theatre Partners LLC  will establish a cultural anchor and destination point for Babylon Village. The new state-of-the-art venue at 34 West Main Street is supported by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council (LIREDC).

“The renovation of the Babylon Village Movie Theater infused new life into a historic community space and will catalyze new economic and cultural growth in the region,” said ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “Empire State Development is proud to support this LIREDC-endorsed project with a $150,000 grant and looks forward to the exciting programming ahead.”

The $3 million renovation transformed the historic Babylon Village Movie Theater into a cultural anchor and destination point for Babylon Village. Enhancements include construction of a full Broadway stage, including the installation of new lighting, sound and rigging equipment. The venue will produce professional Equity theatre, concerts, comedy, touring acts and a Performing Arts Education Initiative through a year-round academy and summer camp program.

The renovation of the Babylon Village Movie Theater was awarded $150,000 through Round VI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

Mark and Dylan Perlman, Co-Owners of the Argyle Theatre, said: "We are so excited to see our vision finally become reality after years of work. We appreciate New York State’s validation and financial infusion into the project. The grant will aid us in our mission to provide a top notch state-of-the-art facility with an old time Broadway feel for our patrons enjoyment, hopefully for many years to come!”

LIREDC Co-Chairs, Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz and Long Island Association President Kevin Law, said:  “The new, state-of-the-art Argyle Theatre in Babylon will be an attraction for residents and visitors alike. The LIREDC was proud to endorse this project and help bring a piece of Broadway to Long Island.”

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources.

After seven rounds of the REDC process, more than $5.4 billion has been awarded to more than 6,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each regions strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 220,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I Love NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

 

 

 

Contact:

Amy Varghese | [email protected] | 212-803-3740

ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313