mediacontact

	For Immediate Release Joseph Brill 518-474-5987 \| joseph.brill@ogs.ny.gov July 21, 2021
— MEDIA ADVISORY — OGS Unveils Newly Renovated Watertown Auditorium
Community Will Benefit From Theater Modernization and Increased Accessibility Auditorium Enhancements Exemplify State’s Commitment to North Country Residents New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced the reopening of the newly renovated auditorium at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown. “When Governor Cuomo talks about making the best possible use of the state’s public facilities, the Watertown State Office Building’s auditorium immediately comes to mind,” Commissioner Destito said. “As the community-run events and performances return, we are excited for the visitors to experience all the improvements made to the theater. I am extremely proud of the work that Team OGS has accomplished on behalf of those we serve.” Joe Rich, Founder of the Disabled Persons Action Organization, said, “On behalf of the DPAO and the hundreds of individuals and their families we serve, I want to express my thanks to Governor Cuomo and the Office of General Services for allowing community organizations such as ours use of this magnificent auditorium. We are truly impressed by the upgrades that have been made and are especially pleased with the effort that went into making the theater a more accessible space for all.” In recent years, OGS has made considerable improvements to the Watertown State Office Building, making it a more secure and environmentally friendly facility for the people who work there and members of the public who come to conduct business or attend an event. From the annual North Country Goes Green Irish Festival to the performances put on by the Disabled Persons Action Organization and Stage Notes Music Review, the auditorium is used throughout the year by several local and regional organizations and touring groups. The recently completed auditorium rehabilitation and modernization project represents an investment of more than $3.5 million in improvements by OGS to this public space in Watertown. Those enhancements include (links to images at bottom of release): Increased accessibility — ADA-compliant theater seating in areas throughout the auditorium, handrails, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and ramp leading to the stage and dressing rooms. New hardwood stage floor and modern curtain-raising system. Improved and modernized sound and lighting systems that will allow added flexibility to accommodate various uses — lectures, training, local recitals, and regional and national entertainment. LED lighting in the auditorium and stage area. New projector screen and ceiling-mounted projector. Newly refurbished bathrooms and dressing rooms that will benefit both audiences and performers. Contracts for the project were awarded by OGS in March 2020 to several local and regional firms, including: Construction contractor Bette & Cring, LLC of Latham. Electrical contractor Dow Electric, Inc. of Malone. Heating and plumbing contractor Burns Bros Contractors, LLC of Syracuse. Design Consultant Bernier, Carr & Associates Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, PC of Watertown. Subconsultants on the project were: Spring Line Design Architecture + Structural Engineering, LLP of East Greenbush, a NYS-certfied woman-owned business. Scheu Consulting Services, Inc. of Fayetteville. Jade Stone Engineering, PLLC of Watertown, a NYS-certfied woman-owned business.
2018.11.06 45636-024.jpg Auditorium Rehab Pic 4.jpg Auditorium Rehab Pic 9.jpg image002.jpg Stage from 2nd Floor.jpg
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— MEDIA ADVISORY —

OGS Unveils Newly Renovated Watertown Auditorium