Historic Restoration & Preservation

UPAC was originally known as the Broadway Theatre when it opened in 1927—and it has been in continuous use ever since.

Over the decades, the theater has undergone numerous changes, upgrades, improvements, and repairs. By the 1970s, though, its overall condition had deteriorated and it was slated for demolition. At that time, concerned citizens rallied together to rescue it and have it placed on the National Register of Historic Properties.

In 2007, a multi-phase renovation plan was developed and portions of it were set into motion.  Phases 1 and 2 totaling $3 million in improvements were completed by 2013, and the theater will reopen in fall 2017 following the Final Phase with many infrastructure upgrades including new HVAC and much-needed restroom expansion!

UPAC not only serves communities across the Hudson Valley with quality arts performances—it’s also a main economic engine in the City of Kingston and for neighboring towns. Audiences who attend shows also patronize local businesses while they are in Kingston as well as along their travel routes across the Mid-Hudson region and beyond.

The Bardavon is charged with caring for two of New York State’s historic architectural treasures—and this aspect of our job only grows more significant as our buildings grow older.

Since 1994, we’ve accomplished over $9 million in capital projects at the Bardavon alone—some of the completed work includes structural and exterior stabilization; marquee and façade restoration; HVAC upgrades; improvements to the 35 mm and digital projection systems; and stagehouse, box office and lobby renovations.

At UPAC, the list of renovations and upgrades since the merger with the Bardavon in 2007 is also impressive. During the preliminary phases of our plan, we received $2 million in government and private sector funding for improvements to and/or restoration of the surrounding storefronts, façade masonry, auditorium sound-mix position, wheelchair seating, projection booth and 35mm systems, the green room, and the façade building, portico, and stagehouse roofs.

An additional $1 million of work was completed in 2013 and included reconstruction of the exterior walkway along the south facade of the auditorium and stage house; window replacement in the secondary facades; installation of new building drainage system components; and equipment of storm leaders and gutters with snow and ice-melting.

As with any historic structure, there will always be more work to do! On the horizon are a number of priority projects that we will begin soon.

While the Campaign to Restore & Preserve the Broadway Theatre/UPAC gains steam, we continue to finalize plans for the $7 million punch-list of additional capital projects at UPAC. Phases 3 & 4 of our comprehensive restoration plan that began in 2007 will begin in 2016 and 2017. Topping the list are new HVAC and considerable expansion of the public restroom facilities.

And at the Bardavon, we have begun planning a $500,000 Exterior Envelope Restoration project.

We are grateful that our neighbors and audiences understand the significant role our theaters play in the vitality of the communities we serve. We hope you’ll continue to help us restore our structures so they remain strong for generations to come. You can do so with a gift to the Campaign to Restore & Preserve the Broadway Theatre/UPAC

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies that have generously contributed toward the ongoing renovation of the Bardavon and the Ulster Performing Arts Center.

Your support of our capital fund-raising initiatives including the Campaign for the New Millenium in the 1990s, the Campaign for the New Century in the 2000s, the ongoing Esplanade Walk of Fame , and now the Campaign to Restore & Preserve the Broadway Theatre/UPAC, has been critical to our success.

We gratefully acknowledge the major support we have received from our leading capital donors:

New York State
New York State Council on the Arts
US Department of Housing & Urban Development
US Department of Juvenile Justice
Dutchess County
Ulster County
City of Poughkeepsie
City of Kingston
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Arts Mid-Hudson (Formerly the Dutchess County Arts Council)
Dyson Foundation
James J. McCann Charitable Trust
Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust
Jeanette F. Schlobach Charitable Trust
Louis Greenspan Charitable Trust
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Millbrook Tribute Gardens
The Millman Harris Romano Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts