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$2.2 Million Project Will Transform Vacant Space into Arts Education Facility
Construction Photos Available Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that construction is underway on the Adeline Graham Theatrical Training and Innovation Center in Downtown Schenectady. Proctors is renovating vacant space on the third floor of the Schenectady Arts Complex – formerly the Carl Company building, one of the last undeveloped spaces on downtown’s State Street thoroughfare – to create a multi-use arts education facility.
ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “The Addy will complement the ongoing revitalization happening in downtown Schenectady, supporting the arts and converting vacant space into an important workforce training facility for the Capital Region. This project is possible because of the collaboration between the public and private sector, and their commitment to strengthening both the economy and cultural institutions.”
The Adeline Graham Theatrical Training and Innovation Center, or “The Addy,” is an arts education and training facility that will include a 100-seat theatre, multi-use classroom, media lab and rehearsal room/flex space. The Addy will serve 1,000 students and 20,000 patrons annually; house the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s CHIME program; and serve as an important workforce development hub.
Proctors CEO Philip Morris said, “We are ecstatic – The Addy is on its way! It will be a wonderful center for education and workforce development; provide new opportunities for the community and for our programming; and it points to a bright future for one of the last undeveloped spaces on the 400 block of State Street.”
The center is named after the late Adeline Graham, a longtime Schenectady resident and former director of Proctors, who used philanthropy to support education, the arts and community. In order to encourage the $2.2 million project to move forward, the Capital Region Economic Development Council (CREDC) recommend an ESD grant of up to $330,000 during Round V of the REDC initiative. Additionally, the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority is providing $300,000, with other funding coming from private companies and donors.
Proctors is also collaborating with the Workforce Development Institute and private sector partners on a new project called Producing Creative, which consists of creative job awareness materials for younger students; hands-on professional experience for high school students; and workforce development and apprenticeship programs connecting emerging professionals with training and certifications to work in a variety of performing arts careers. The Addy will host many of these Producing Creative initiatives.
Wallace A. Graham said, “The Addy is a place to turn lives around, to open lives to new opportunities and make the most of the continued investments in Proctors – the region’s arts center. I am certain Addy would be pleased with how her gift is being used.”
CREDC co-chairs, Albany Medical Center President and CEO James J. Barba and University at Albany Interim President James R. Stellar, said, “The Addy is going to be a tremendous asset for Schenectady and the entire Capital Region. The creative economy is a key driver of jobs, growth, and quality of life in our region, and this project represents a signature investment in this critical and vibrant sector.”
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “Congratulations to Proctors on the creation of The Addy and completing the transformation of the former Carl Company building into a centerpiece for our redevelopment efforts. The partnership between Proctors and Schenectady County has been remarkable, helping to rejuvenate a once struggling downtown benefiting all of our residents and visitors.”
Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, said, “We thank Governor Cuomo and the Capital Regional Economic Development Council for their strong support for this project which completes the reuse and reconstruction of the former Carl Company store and creates a new arts and entertainment venue in downtown Schenectady.”
Rebecca Calos, Executive Director of the Empire State Youth Orchestra, said, “Being in residence at The Addy will allow us to expand our groundbreaking CHIME program, providing even more free music educational opportunities—along with the confidence, pride and self-esteem to succeed in school and beyond—to students from underserved communities.”
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “Proctors has been an important community partner for more than 90 years, and The Addy will continue to promote and support youth music and arts. I thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for supporting the City and our economic development projects.”
Senator Jim Tedisco said, “The development of ‘The Addy’ is a win-win-win for Proctors, Downtown Schenectady and the many students and young people who will take part in the arts learn and grow.”
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said, “The great partnerships that make projects like this possible are what has transformed the Electric City into a vibrant upstate destination. Construction of this amazing arts education and training facility complements our amazing downtown, brings new opportunity to our area and adds to the success we have seen here in Schenectady over the years.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
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