Theater Photos Available Here
Empire State Development today announced the grand opening of the renovated historic Park Theater in downtown Glens Falls, Warren County. The newly restored 220-seat theater will host live performances and includes flexible event space and Doc's Restaurant, named after Dr. Harold Kirkpatrick, the theater's former owner. The project supports the economic development efforts underway in Glens Falls, complementing the City’s selection as the winner of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the Capital Region.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "The newly renovated Park Theater is a great example of the way we’re supporting community-driven projects and leveraging private investment and publicly available funding to revitalize downtowns all around the state."
The Park Theater project began in 2015 with plans to restore the interior and exterior, and install a new commercial kitchen and restaurant. The theater now contains state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems, modern acoustics, new staging and curtains, and a handmade stage proscenium. Special attention to detail was dedicated to design aspects of the theater, like the blue-domed lobby featuring a sparkling chandelier and granite floors, a spiral staircase with a glass circular elevator, mahogany woodwork and the sapphire blue velvet curtain.
Elizabeth Miller, Park Theater owner, said, "I just noticed a building that needed a little TLC to make it the best for our community. Thankfully, with the help of Ed Bartholomew and the EDC, support from New York State, and wonderful local trades people that worked on the building for almost two full years, it has become something beautiful for our downtown."
More than $3 million was invested to renovate and rehabilitate the property. The project was supported by a $600,000 capital grant, as recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council during Round VI of the regional council initiative. Additional support was provided by the Warren County Economic Development Corporation.
CREDC Co-Chairs Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President, and Ruth Mahoney, KeyBank Market President, said, "The newly restored Park Theater will offer a variety of performing arts experiences inside a classic venue that will encourage residents and visitors alike to plan a return visit. This project supports the Council's efforts to revitalize downtowns, create jobs and generate economic growth across the region."
Warren County Economic Development Corporation President Edward Bartholomew said, "I congratulate Elizabeth Miller for her continued vision, energy, enthusiasm, and redevelopment efforts in downtown Glens Falls. This project will not only create another entertainment destination venue for the region, but also demonstrates the collaborative efforts between Elizabeth, the Capital Region Economic Development Council, and local economic development agencies, aligning with Governor Cuomo’s Upstate urban policies."
The Park Theater originally opened in December 1911 as the first movie theater in Glens Falls, featuring silent films and vaudeville shows. It closed in 1935 and was converted to a newspaper printing plant. Dr. Kirkpatrick purchased the property in 1984 and spent more than 20 years working to restore it to back to a theater. It reopened in 2006 and began showing movies in 2010, but closed again in 2014.
Senator Betty Little said, "Historic buildings have an unmatched charm. The Park Theater, renovated, rehabilitated and looking nothing less than incredible now, will attract more people and events downtown, creating new jobs and growing new revenue that will benefit the entire community. Arriving at this day is the result of a strong public and private collaboration, but I especially commend Elizabeth Miller for her vision and persistence."
Assemblyman Dan Stec said, "The restoration of the Park Theater is a win for Glens Falls and Warren County. The theater, with the addition of Doc’s Restaurant, pay homage to the venue’s history and will encourage more people to visit our region and support our businesses."
Ronald F. Conover, Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair, said, "The grand reopening of the Park Theater is symbolic of the great work being done in downtown Glens Falls and across Warren County. My congratulations to Elizabeth Miller for her vision, and thanks to New York State for supporting this project."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) 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 NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contacts:
Adam Ostrowski | [email protected] | (518) 292-5148
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313