BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn and UrbanGlass Announce $17.3 Million Revitalization of Historic Strand Theatre in Brooklyn to Expand Their Facilities

CONTACT:
Karen Auster/Auster Events (718) 243-1414

July 21, 2008

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn and UrbanGlass, two long-standing Brooklyn cultural organizations, announce today the launch of a $17.3 million expansion of their facilities in the city-owned space that was once Brooklyn’s historic Strand Theatre at 647 Fulton Street.

The resurgence of this renowned former vaudeville theater as a vibrant arts and media venue will represent a significant addition to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Cultural District in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood and will result in a much more visible presence for BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn and UrbanGlass in the community and build their capacities to serve Brooklyn’s artists and diverse audiences.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), with support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), is overseeing the $17.3 million project and recently selected Leeser Architecture of Brooklyn to complete the design for the expansion.

“New York City Economic Development Corporation is pleased to be a part of this dynamic project,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “Effectively reusing the City’s historic assets to benefit our growing cultural community is a vital component of good economic development policy and adds to the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

“This renovation of the historic Strand Theater builds on UrbanGlass and BRIC’s experience working in the facility,” said DCA Commissioner Kate Levin. “The enhanced space will not only help expand their artistry, but will also secure their continuing programming for the Fort Greene community and all New Yorkers, further strengthening Brooklyn's dynamic cultural identity.”

The Mayor’s Office, the New York City Council, and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President provided funding for the project.

“Back in the day, Brooklyn was home to some of the most ornate and opulent theaters anywhere, from the Loew’s Kings and Brooklyn Paramount to the Strand Theater,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “Instead of allowing these architectural and cultural gems to be lost to history, we are finding ways to preserve and repurpose them. I am proud to offer my support to the renovation of the former Strand site, and I congratulate BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn and UrbanGlass on this new arts and media venue that will also provide additional broadcasting space for BCAT and truly enhance the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District.”

When completed, the project is expected to provide BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn with approximately 20,000 square feet of additional program space including a new contemporary art gallery and a flat floor performance space. BRIC’s Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT) program will also have a street level presence including a media screening room. Through separate and additional funding, BRIC also intends to construct a state-of-the-art television studio for BCAT, adding to their existing three studios.

UrbanGlass, the world’s first open-access glass center, will expand its operations, relocating its gallery and retail space and creating a walk-in glass workshop at street level. Through private funding, UrbanGlass is also planning a complete renovation of its existing third floor glassworking facility.

“The expansion of BRIC and UrbanGlass is a significant milestone in the BAM Cultural District’s growth,” said Joe Chan, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “As we diversify Downtown Brooklyn’s arts offerings, it is crucial that longtime stalwarts flourish and further strengthen the area’s cultural base.”

The design phase is currently underway and construction is scheduled to begin in 2009 and be completed in 2010.

This project marks the third New York City-based cultural project for Leeser Architecture. Other recent projects include the expansion of the Museum of the Moving Image in Long Island City and a new performance space for 3 Legged Dog, a non-profit theatre and media company in Tribeca.

Originally constructed in 1918 as a vaudeville theater, the 4,000-seat Strand Theatre was later converted into a movie palace and thus played a significant role in Brooklyn’s (and New York City’s) cinematic history. The interior of the building was demolished in the 1950s and converted into a bowling alley, and later became three floors of manufacturing space.

About BRIC: BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is a multi-disciplinary arts and media non-profit dedicated to presenting performing, visual and media arts programs that are reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse communities, and to providing resources and platforms to support the creative process. All of our offerings are free or low cost, to enhance the public’s access to and understanding of arts and media. Each year, upwards of a million people in Brooklyn and citywide are served through our signature programs, which include: in the performing arts, the Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival and BRICstudio; in the visual arts, BRIC Rotunda Gallery; and in media, BCAT / Brooklyn Community Access Television.

About UrbanGlass: UrbanGlass is a leading resource for both aspiring and established artists wishing to create with glass. We foster innovative art and advance the use and appreciation of glass as a creative medium. Programs include the open-access glassworking facility; a comprehensive education program, the Robert Lehman Gallery, on- and off-site exhibitions, GLASS: The UrbanGlass Art Quarterly, the Atelier, The Bead Project and The Store at UrbanGlass. For more information, visit www.urbanglass.org.

About Leeser Architecture: For nearly two decades, Thomas Leeser, Principal of Leeser Architecture, has been widely recognized for incorporating emerging technologies into his architectural practice. Leeser Architecture uses technology to reframe common understanding about architectural conventions and production, creating powerful environments in the process. Leeser Architecture recently completed the 3-Legged Dog Center for Art and Technology in New York City—a new media and performing arts center, and the first cultural institution to rebuild in Lower Manhattan after September 11th. In the fall of 2009, the firm’s first major built work in New York City, the addition to the Museum of the Moving Image, will open in Queens. For more information, visit www.leeser.com.