State's additional $750K investment in Pendragon Theatre closes final funding gap

SARANAC LAKE | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced an additional $750,000 state investment to close the final funding gap for Pendragon Theatre. Earlier this year, the Governor announced the opening of Pendragon Theatre's new downtown facility in Saranac Lake, valued at more than $11 million. The additional funding for the new theatre at 56 Woodruff St., where a vacant grocery store once stood, represents a significant investment in the region's cultural infrastructure and a major milestone for one of the Adirondacks' leading performing arts organizations. "The Pendragon Theatre is a testament to what is possible when we prioritize the arts as a catalyst for downtown revitalization," Gov. Hochul said after visiting the theatre during a North Country stop Monday. "What was just a vacant grocery store in the middle of the Saranac Lake community was transformed into not only a performing arts space but also a year-round gathering space that residents and visitors can call home." The additional $750,000 state investment closes Pendragon Theatre's final funding gap and provides the theatre with a permanent home designed to support expanded year-round programming, foster artistic development and increase access to live theatre for residents and visitors. The theatre serves as a cultural anchor in downtown Saranac Lake, contributing to ongoing revitalization efforts and supporting regional economic growth through increased tourism and local engagement. The project was supported through a combination of public and private investment, including support from various state agencies, reflecting New York State's continued commitment to strengthening arts and culture as key drivers of economic development. New York State provided more than $6.2 million to the project, including a $2.5 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, a $2 million Empire State Development Restore NY grant to the Village of Saranac Lake, a $500,000 ESD Market NY grant, a $750,000 discretionary grant from ESD, $400,000 via two New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Smart Growth grants and a $145,000 New York State Council on the Arts grant. Assemblymember Michael Cashman said, "The Pendragon Theatre is a stellar example of the North Country's incredible art scene and the region's dedication to bringing new faces to the North Country through unique experiences. This expansion will greatly increase their performance capabilities, as well as provide the region with great multi-purpose community gathering spaces. I am grateful for the state's continued support of their renovations and look forward to seeing the conclusion of this project." Village of Saranac Lake Mayor Kelly Brunette welcomed the announcement, saying it "is another meaningful investment in the future of Saranac Lake. Governor Hochul understands that investing in the arts is investing in people. Pendragon Theatre is a place where young people will find their voices, artists will share their talents, neighbors will gather and visitors will experience the creative spirit of Saranac Lake and the Adirondacks. The arts help define who we are. They strengthen our local economy, energize our downtown, and bring people together. We're grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for investing in Adirondack communities, the arts and the future of Saranac Lake."

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State's additional $750K investment in Pendragon Theatre closes final funding gap

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