PINE PLAINS — The next phase of the Stissing Center’s rehabilitation will begin in the spring after a yearslong stabilization construction was completed.
For the past several years, the scaffolding around the venue and art center has obscured the facade of the Pine Plains historic landmark. But in September, the scaffolding came down. “It was almost like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis,” said Stissing Center Executive Director Patrick Trettenero. After a $1 million construction phase, the arts organization completed structural stabilizations and a roof installation that will ensure the building’s health for decades to come.
Originally built in 1915, the Stissing Center’s slate roof had caused supporting walls to bow out. Construction called for replacement of the third floor walls, which were then replaced section by section with a combination of concrete and composite materials. Steel beams were also inserted and installed throughout the building to evenly distribute the weight of the roof.
The slate roof was replaced with a lookalike composite faux slate, which is also lighter than the original material. “It’s good for the structure in the long run,” said Trettenero.
The rear of the building is up next. A planned addition will include an ADA elevator which will allow disabled audience members access to the venue’s upper or lower level. The third floor will also be upgraded: new dressing rooms for performers and additional bathrooms will be added, as will general storage space.
The addition will also provide a permanent home for the Stissing Center’s HVAC system, which currently rests on scaffolding on the side of the building.
Trettenero says they plan to break ground on this next phase in May, and credits the Center’s board and the New York State Council for the Arts for making it all possible. The board of directors has donated about $400,000 to the rehabilitation projects, Trettenero says. “That serves as an inspiration to folks who are not on the board but who are in a position to give, because they know that the board is putting their money where their mouth is.”
All told, the rebirth of the Stissing Center has been an ongoing project for about 10 years. With these latest construction projects completed, Trettenero says the end is in sight. “I have a very clear vision of finishing this building so that we can really focus on our programming and serving the community,” he said. “My vision is to finish the building in a three-year span.”
