By Julie Priscoe
This summer the Landmark on Main Street closed the Jeanne Rimsky Theater to replace the HVAC system and renovate the long outdated bathrooms.
Since closing June 30, the theater has been undergoing construction, which has been completed in time for it to reopen with a two-show kick-off Sept. 21.
Before the Landmark on Main Street became what it is today, the building was known as the Main Street School, which had been used for 87 years. Over the years, the bathrooms received very few upgrades, while the building operated with the same cooling system that was installed when the Landmark on Main Street opened in 1995.
“The air conditioning units were constantly having repairs, and at this point, they weren’t cooling enough for the large space we have,” Technical Director Sean Perry said. “Even when they were working full blast, we were still undercooled.”
The cooling issues even shortened the Jeanne Rimsky Theater’s season, Executive Director Laura Mogul said. “We couldn’t ask people to come into the theater knowing we couldn’t make them comfortable.”
After five years of planning, designing, permitting and fund-raising, the Landmark was able to organize $750,000 worth of upgrades to make the Jeanne Rimsky Theater a better experience for its patrons.
Funding for the new system came partly from two New York State grants, The CREST grant (Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology program) sponsored by Assembly Member Gina Sillitti and a grant from former Sen. Anna Kaplan. The two grants provided $275,000 for the HVAC project and an additional $50,000 for the bathroom renovations.
“Landmark on Main Street is a cornerstone of our community, and this investment ensures it will continue to serve as a cultural hub for generations to come,” Sillitti said in a press release. “I was proud to have been able to provide $125,000 in capital funding to support this vital project to help replace the HVAC system to not only improve this historic building but also improve the experience of all who visit.”
Mogul said the rest of the funds for the project have come from some small donations and the Landmark’s reserve.
“Landmark has invested almost $1 million to give our patrons a comfortable year-round venue and we thank all for their support,” Landmark board member and facilities chair Russell Burman said in a press release.
Throughout the Landmark’s closure since the end of June, engineering, planning and structural calculations were made to ensure the HVAC system would be secure on the roof of the building.
Considering the Landmark is a 116-year-old historic building, the physical aspects of the construction were carefully considered.
“You have to be careful not to impact the visual aspect of the exterior of the building in any way,” Mogul said. “You can’t graph something from the 21st century on the front of the building that was built in 1908. You have to be sensitive to that and get approval for whatever you do.”
Perry said the HVAC system is almost done, and the Jeanne Rimsky Theater is ready to open Sept. 21.
“We are at the point of inspection now,” Perry said. “I work in the theater every day now, and the difference is amazing. There’s a crisp, cool quality to the air. It’s glorious to be able to walk in and not worry about the quality of air. It’s a lot fresher air now because it’s constantly bringing outside air in and keeping it temperate.”
In addition to the new HVAC system, the men’s and women’s bathrooms have received updated plumbing, touchless faucets, new toilets and a few other touches, Mogul said.
“The restrooms here still look like the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms from when it was a school,” Mogul said. “They now have a look and a feel that is consistent with the quality of the rest of the patron’s theater experience.”
For the Landmark’s two-show kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 21, the Jeanne Rimsky Theater will host a free Ballet Hispanico family show at 11 a.m. and comedian Todd Barry at 8 p.m.
The Ballet Hispanico performance is presented by the Landmark and the Parent Resource Center and made possible with funding from HEARTS Port Washington. Ballet Hispánico’s Latine immersive experience will take audiences on a journey through dance and culture.
Todd Barry will perform a stand-up comedy routine at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater. He has appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers” while his acting credits include “Chappelle’s Show,” “Sex and the City” and more.
To reserve tickets and learn more about the upcoming shows the Landmark has to offer, visit landmarkonmainstreet.org
