Racanelli Construction Company, Inc. is serving as the Construction Manager on the reconstruction, restoration and modernization project for the Sag Harbor Cinema (Sag Harbor, NY, www.sagharborcinema.org), an iconic property destroyed in a fire in December 2016. The property owners, the Sag Harbor Partnership, a 501(c) (3) dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the quality of life in Sag Harbor, New York, purchased the property from its longtime owner and has been raising funds for its full restoration and return to operation. Allen Kopelson of NK Architects is the architect on the project and The Raynor Group is the civil engineering firm.
The cinema, comprised of 13,443 square feet on three floors, will gain a new 4,000 square foot addition and the complete rebuild of its façade, replicating the original “Sag Harbor” sign. According to the Sag Harbor Partnership, plans include the division of the original 480-seat theater into two sections with one smaller theater acting as a more intimate repertory theater. The project also encompasses a new 40-seat screening room on the second floor, which also will serve as a classroom.
According to Racanelli Project Manager Charles Kozikowski, “The project entails the reconstruction and modernization of an old style move theater into a modern cinema arts destination with two new theater spaces, one viewing room, gathering space and a roof top patio in addition to a café, concessions, powder rooms, office, and mechanical and storage spaces.”
Among the challenges faced by the Racanelli team, which also includes Project Executive Nicholas Racanelli and Project Superintendent Scott Tucker, was the project was located on the town’s busy Main Street.
The project will utilize various construction materials, including: concrete, CMU block, light gauge and structural steel, insulation, and sheetrock. All light fixtures, exit signs, and seat end caps are being salvaged for reuse for the cinema’s historical preservation. The Art Deco designed cinema was built in 1915 and originally served as a vaudeville stage.
The projected completion date for the project is spring 2019.
