Warner Announces Construction Manager for Phase II of Restoration
and Expansion of Theatre Complex
TORRINGTON, CT -The Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, announced that United Construction & Engineering, Inc. of Torrington has been hired to serve as construction manager for Phase II of the planned renovation and expansion of the theatre’s facilities. Construction is estimated to be completed by Fall 2007.
The Phase II plans focus on adapting the historic Mertz Building, adjacent to the theatre on Main Street, to include a brand new state-of-the-art 200-seat black box-style theatre, an expanded and renovated center for arts education and renovated retail space. The project will also include an addition to the main stage house that incorporates augmented dressing room facilities, support space to accommodate set construction and technical requirements for productions and a modern stage rigging system. Phase II also includes several non-bricks and mortar components that focus on financial and operational efficiencies.
Phase I of the Warner Theatre Restoration project was completed in November 2002 and featured a complete restoration and renovation of the theatre’s public spaces and administrative offices. The combined cost for Phases I and II of the Warner Restoration is estimated at $15.85 million. The theatre, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary with the upcoming 2005-2006 season, is in the process of completing its fundraising efforts to raise the remaining $2 million needed to fund the project.
“We’re very excited to get this project moving forward on the eve of our 75th Anniversary. We’ve really been fortunate to enjoy such wide-spread community support for our efforts,” says James Patrick, executive director of the Warner Theatre. He continued, “This expansion will allow us to continue to bring diverse entertainment to the region with the new studio theater and stage house expansion, while also expanding our commitment to young people through theatre arts education.”
United Construction & Engineering, Inc. (UCE) provides a complete range of design/development and construction services for both the commercial and residential building markets acting in the capacity as either general contractor or construction manager. Some of UCE’s clients and/or projects have included: Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care, the Counseling & Advocacy Center for Susan B. Anthony Project and the new headquarters for the Litchfield County Association for Retarded Citizens (LARC) in Torrington.
Muff Maskovsky, President of the Warner Board of Directors, states, “The board is very pleased that we were able to assemble a team of local organizations and individuals to complete the total restoration of the Warner Theatre Project.” He continued, “Along with United Construction and Engineering, the creative team includes architect Paul Pozzi, a Torrington native who designed the Torrington Police Department building and the Torrington Middle School.”
Those wishing to support the Warner’s efforts by making a donation to the theatre’s capital campaign can contact Maureen Madden-Tardy, director of development, at (860)489-7180, ext. 107.
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About the Warner Theatre
Built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace, the Warner Theatre was described then as “Connecticut’s Most Beautiful Theatre.” Damaged extensively in a flood, the Warner was slated for demolition in the early 1980s until the non-profit Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts (NCAA) was founded and purchased the theatre. The Warner reopened as a performing arts center in 1983, and restoration of the lobbies and auditorium was completed in November 2002. Today, the Warner is in operation year-round with more than 125 performances and some 80,000 patrons passing through its doors each season. NCAA’s mission is to preserve the Warner Theatre as an historic landmark, enhance its reputation as a center of artistic excellence and a focal point of community involvement, and satisfy the diverse cultural needs of the region. To learn more about the Warner Theatre, visit our website: www.warnertheatre.org.
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