Capital Repertory Theatre is moving
The building last summer.
The Capital Repertory Theatre is moving to a new home at the corner of Livingston and North Pearl in December 2019, the theater org/Proctors announced Tuesday. It will be converting an old bakery/electrical warehouse space at 251 North Pearl.
The project has been moving in this direction for a while -- the theater was already using the space for set construction. And it got a boost Monday when the Cuomo admin announced the project will getting $1.8 million from the Restore New York Communities Initiative.
Press release blurbage:
... The National Biscuit Co. building, at 251 N. Pearl Street, will become the new home for Capital Repertory Theatre, with a 300-seat MainStage, 70-seat black box theatre, full time café and box office.
Since August, theREP has been using the property, purchased through the generosity of its board, for set construction and storage. With completion of architectural drawings, the 30,000-square-foot former bakery will also house new administrative offices, rehearsal rooms, an event space and dedicated costume and prop shops, allowing for all activities to take place within a single footprint. ...
Residence at the National Biscuit Co. building will allow theREP to expand its programming, with up to 100 more annual events attracting an additional 10,000 patrons; and to expand its robust educational offerings, which currently reach more than 17,000 students from 64 schools in 39 communities.
The theater org -- which now prefers to be called theREP -- says the project will cost $8 million. And it's being backed in party by a mix of public money, including $2 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal and $950k through the Regional Economic Development Council process.
There's a lot in progress in that section of the city, which sits between downtown proper, Arbor Hill, and the Warehouse District:
+ The redevelopment of the Ida Yarbrough Homes across Pearl Street is in progress
+ Just down the hill on Livingston, Albany Distilling Co. is repurposing a building as a new tasting room and retail shop.
+ Around the block on Broadway, developer Patrick Chiou has renovated a row of vacant housing.
+ On the block just to the south, between Pearl and Broadway, work has started for new construction at 760 Broadway that will include 88 residential units.
+ And just a few more blocks to the south the big Quackenbush Center mixed-use project is in the works, and there's the in-planning Albany Skyway.
Find It
Capital Repertory Theatre new theater (planned)
251 N Pearl St
Albany, NY 12207
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Comments
I'm glad this is going forward. What will happen to their old space and parking structure?
... said Happy in the Ten Broeck on Mar 27, 2018 at 11:56 AM | link
Happy to see this. The old building is legit scary/dangerous, and having so much more space will be a real asset. Hoping they keep the thrust stage--this configuration has always made CapRep very unique among area theatres, and provides a very intimate space.
... said K on Mar 27, 2018 at 1:03 PM | link
Good news. The combination parking ramp/theater must have been clever and innovative when first built, but it hasn't aged well.
... said Eric Scheirer Stott on Mar 27, 2018 at 1:41 PM | link
Great new building. I've been looking forward to something new going in there.
K, what is scary/dangerous about the old building?
... said stan on Mar 27, 2018 at 2:01 PM | link
Eric, I think it was originally a supermarket.
I was only in that parking garage once...that was enough!
... said Justin on Mar 27, 2018 at 2:13 PM | link
The new building needs TONS OF T.l.C., that's for sure, sure looks depressing! Is this in a safe neighborhood , and most with lots of parking???
... said mg on Mar 27, 2018 at 5:43 PM | link
I hope they reach out to Nabisco (National Biscuit Co.) for possible funding or sponsorship.
... said AC on Mar 27, 2018 at 9:34 PM | link
@stan--I worked there briefly. Leaks in the electrics shop, putting the lighting instruments at risk of water damage; holes in the exterior walls--backstage is always freezing in the winter. Crumbling insulation, ceiling tiles. Also heard that a chunk of the parking garage fell at one point and nearly hit someone. From what I understood, there was some odd situation with the landlord that prevented major repairs from taking place. Def not ideal.
Did read today that the thrust stage will be kept. Phil Mo also mentioned that the sightlines will be better in the new space. Plus the addition of a blackbox! Really happy for the company and these plans.
... said K on Mar 28, 2018 at 2:49 PM | link