Press & News Releases

Press Release 1/12/07 -  Clayton Opera House Renovation Underway 

After years of planning and an extensive community fundraising campaign, renovation of the historic Clayton Opera House began just before Thanksgiving and is now well underway.  The over $3 million project, scheduled for completion in May 2007, will provide Thousand Island residents with a year-round venue for cultural, educational and community events.   

Renovations to the hall, which was built in 1903 and has served as home to many organizations over its 104 year history, will include exterior improvements, heating and air conditioning systems, an elevator, major electrical and plumbing upgrades, new bathrooms and some improvements to the buildings third floor banquet rooms.  Also included is an addition to the back of the building needed to house mechanicals, a “green room” for performers and dressing rooms.  New stage curtains, lighting and rigging, a new sound system and a general face lift are also planned.   

Plans for the renovation project began in 2003 when a partnership was formed between the Town of Clayton, who owns the building, and the Thousand Islands Performing Arts Fund (TIPAF).  Through this arrangement, TIPAF is raising the funds necessary to update the hall and is managing the use and rental of the facility as a performance and community center.  “The Town’s partnership with TIPAF is a wonderful example of how business and government can work together for the betterment of the entire community,” said Town Supervisor Bob Cantwell.  “The revitalized performance hall will add to Clayton’s impressive cultural offerings, and provide year-round enjoyment to the community.” 

The renovation was able to commence this fall due to the enormous generosity and support of over three hundred area residents and the commitment of several foundations and our state and federal representatives and governments.  To date, $3,000,000 has been paid or pledged to the Centennial Campaign to Renovate the Clayton Opera House.  Mary Mascott, President of TIPAF and chairperson for the campaign shared, “We offer our heartfelt thanks to those who have made gifts, pledges or grants to date.  We are confident that with continued private support we will raise the remaining $200,000 needed within the next several months bringing the Centennial Campaign to a successful conclusion.  We are also pleased to report that gifts made by March 31 will be matched one-for-one by a generous New York State “challenge grant” secured by Senator James Wright.”   

Those interested in making a gift or pledge to the campaign should contact the TIPAF office at 315-686-1037.  Project updates and construction photos are available at the opera house website at www.claytonoperahouse.com.   

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