INITIATIVES

History and Schedule

February, Catskill Mountain Foundation is started
August, Announces plans to acquire the movie theater in the Village of Hunter and convert it into a film and performing arts center
December, the Foundation begins to present performances in the renovated red barn

The Foundation receives a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to study its current and future performing arts facility needs. The Foundation hires Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer to conduct this study.

February - Hardy Holzman completes its report, recommending that the Foundation acquire the Orpheum Theater in Tannersville and convert it into a professional performing arts center.

February - the property to the northwest of the Orpheum is acquired, future site of the Orpheum dressing rooms.
September - Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer is hired as a project consultant to help with general planning for the Orpheum Theater.
October - Davis Crossfield is also hired to provide general consulting in the Orpheum planning.
The Foundation receives a $160,000 grant from the Federal Government to help with planning for the Orpheum theater.

June - the property to the east and north of the Orpheum is acquired, future site of the Orpheum lobby and stage house
July - with the completion of the acquisition of properties needed for the New Orpheum, concrete architectural planning is launched
November - The Federal government includes in its fiscal 2005 budget a $125,000 grant to help cover Orpheum-related costs

April - Kaaterskill Associates is hired to handle the civil and structural engineering portion of the Orpheum project
May - Major fundraising campaign is launched
July - Orpheum groundbreaking
November - The Federal government includes in its fiscal 2006 budget a $125,000 grant to help cover Orpheum-related costs
December - Architectural and Engineering plans are completed
Revised Budget is prepared based upon final plans
Asbestos removal is done in existing building

January/February - Demolition of interior and removal of floor of existing building, put concrete work, HVAC, and electrical work out to bid.
March/April - Renovation of interior of existing building, sign contracts with subcontractors for concrete, HVAC and electrical work
May/June - Excavation, pouring of footings, frost wall and foundation of dressing rooms, stage house and lobby, install retaining walls
July/August/September - Framing of dressing rooms, stage house, and lobby
October/November - Complete roofing, installation of all windows and doors, and all siding to the complete structure
December - Begin interior finish work

Please support the Orpheum project by making a donation now.

The CMF annual online benefit auction offers a wonderful array of original artwork, unique local crafts, and other valuable goods and services.

We are constantly growing and finding new ways to enhance the experience of the Catskill Region and we need your support to make it happen.