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Basie facade to be rejuvenated: Count Basie Theatre to launch “Let’s Face It” Capital Campaign!
posted by
Count Basie Theatre
on
March 26, 2010 at 10:00 am
RED BANK, NJ — In 2010, the Count Basie Theatre will once again undergo a major renovation, this time to the exterior of the building, and is launching the “Let’s Face It” campaign to fund the work.
Although scaffolding will cover the front of the building, the shows will go on.
An all-new, historical looking facade will replace the faded and structurally impaired pink brick front. A refurbished theatre marquee with energy efficient lighting, and new energy efficient windows will be included in the project. Over the next few weeks, scaffolding will be erected along the front and sides of the building, but unlike the 2008 renovation, the Basie will remain open for business during the entire time the work is being done. The entrances and sidewalks will be accessible to the public and will be protected by the safety scaffolding.
Numa Saisselin, CEO of Count Basie Theatre stressed that, “this is not only an aesthetics issue, but a structural one. Our architects and engineers have advised us that the façade work is necessary for the structural integrity of the building, and that the work should be done now. Let’s face it, the building needs more work.” Rusty Young, CEO of Count Basie Theatre Foundation added,“ the timing is right to move forward with this much- needed project. Let’s face it; even in this economy it makes good business sense, because we are able to negotiate better deals with sub-contractors. It is good stewardship of donor money.”
Count Basie Theatre trustees, Steven Schultz and Al Weiss will lead the project that is the fourth in a ten-phase renovation process. Steven Schultz, who was chairman of the interior renovation project in 2008 reports that the cost for the exterior work will be approximately $2 million dollars, and that it will be completed by the fall of this year. “What you will see upon completion, is a beautiful replication of what is already here,” said Schultz who is personally excited to be once again working on restoring the historic theatre. “Let’s face it, maintaining an historic building is an ongoing process that requires ongoing fundraising.”
Russ Lucas, chairman of the Count Basie Theatre Foundation said, “Let’s face it, we are all in this together. The Count Basie Theatre brings 200,000 people to the town of Red Bank annually. Its economic impact is $11 million dollars per year and accounts for approximately 300 jobs. Ticket sales cover only 50% of the annual cost to operate the theatre.”
This renovation is funded in part by The New Jersey Cultural Trust with project assistance by the New Jersey Historic Trust.
The Count Basie Theatre is a not-for-profit 501©(3), located at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ. For information on how you can contribute to the Let’s Face It renovation project, visit countbasietheatre.org or call (732) 224-8778 x114.
Link to Count Basie Theatre on CinemaTreasures.org:
/theaters/829/
