Adirondack Performing Arts Center expected to break ground in late spring

TICONDEROGA | One of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative's (DRI) largest and most ambitious projects is mere months away from breaking ground. The transformation of the old Knights of Columbus building at 103 Montcalm Street into the new Adirondack Performing Arts Center (APAC) is expected to begin in late spring, and the project will be heading out to bid by the end of this month. "We are in value engineering right now," revealed North Country Rural Development Coalition's (NRDC) President & CEO. "After all the design and the wish list, we are over budget- which is fine, we still have plenty of money for the project. In the next two weeks, we are cutting some things and rethinking the level of some of the equipment we will have in there- equipment for the third floor becomes obsolete quickly." The vision for the 104-year-old building is to convert the three-story structure into a vibrant space capable of hosting performing arts events. APAC is expected to fill a cultural void by bringing world-class performances to Ticonderoga, and if all goes according to the expected plan, should attract and invite people from all over the area and region as eager audiences. This SWELL will in theory also spill over into the local economy, giving the hospitality industry and businesses a boost as people come from far and away, some discovering Ticonderoga for the first time. APAC was the second largest DRI funding recipient, with $2,115,000 out of $10 million allocated for the project. NRDC purchased the building from the K of C for $200,000 specifically for the project, and has also leveraged additional funding as needed to ensure every necessary component of the project will see completion. Green said all physical plans for the building figured for the DRI remain unchanged, and is estimating construction will last anywhere from 12-18 months. However, since most of the renovation is an interior gut/rebuild, Green is optimistic things will take shape very quickly once the ball gets rolling. The first floor will be occupied by the Knights and used to expand their catering and banquet branch, and they will be receiving permanent equipment in their kitchen. "They are getting some really beautiful items," shared Green. The second floor space will be a large, multi-purpose practice room, and soundproof at that. "In this room in particular, the cheerleaders can practice, any dance group can practice (it has a ballet floor), or a small group of theater kids can practice or a small band or orchestra can practice in this room," Green said. "It's pretty exciting to think of the possibilities there and the partnerships with community members and business owners who have sought out a space like that." APAC will also hopefully be the permanent home of the Ticonderoga Festival Guild, of which they are currently lacking. The third floor, which has sat still and unused for years, will see life again as a historically preserved concert hall capable of hosting bands, theater performances, operas, ballets, and other dance troupes from Montreal to Saratoga. "It's happening, and it's exciting," Green added. It's happening, alright. Green has put out the call for APAC's first Artistic Director, an opportunity that doesn't come around too often in the art world and for the right person, will be a highly attractive position. "This opportunity doesn't come around often in the arts world, especially when all the capital campaign for construction is mostly complete, and most of the operational funding is already in place," Green said. "It is not a remote job, it is a full-time position, and the Artistic Director will get to build the center from the ground up in a collaborative workplace vs. inheriting something that isn't working well. That is an exciting thing, and I think a lot of people are drawn to that." Green said the ideal candidate would have an Arts Administration background or a background in general operations of a performing arts center, but if somebody doesn't specifically have that experience (like a new graduate or a lateral field to the arts) and can demonstrate those basic skills, Green will still fully consider them. "If you have the right personality and are a teachable person with creative thinking and ability to multitask, we can teach you the job," she assured. "It doesn't hurt to follow up with questions if a candidate thinks they are not qualified, and that should not deter them from applying." NRDC is looking to have the position of APAC Artistic Director filled by March 1 to mid-March, and they can expect to step into their new role and hit the ground running by May. "We don't have a performing arts center yet, so the job will entail will be working with consultants on defining our mission and vision, our initial programming in the space (which is normally planned out 12-18 months in advance), as well as additional pop-up programming we are doing through public art initiatives," Green explained. "The Artistic Director will become one of the voices and public-facing figures as we really launch APAC and start out fundraising efforts for the center as well." To apply for Artistic Director of the Adirondack Performing Arts Center, please email a resume and cover letter specifying the position of interest to office@northcountryruraldevelopment.org or call 518-585-6366, or visit LinkedIn.

Signup for our newsletter

Adirondack Performing Arts Center expected to break ground in late spring

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS