Tupper Arts launches rehabilitation of Historic Adirondack State Theater
Tupper Arts has officially launched the rehabilitation of the Adirondack State Theater, a long-awaited project that will preserve one of the community’s most beloved landmarks and transform it into a year-round destination for movies, live performances, and cultural programming.
The theater, located at 100 Park Street, has stood at the heart of downtown Tupper Lake for over a century. With its recent acquisition by Tupper Arts, plans are now underway to restore and modernize the facility while honoring its historic character. The Adirondack State Theater will remain a working movie theater while also becoming a hub for live performances, events, and arts education.
The design team for the project includes Andrew Chary Architect, PLLC as the lead architect, GYMO Architecture, Engineering, & Land Surveying, DPC providing structural and civil engineering, and Rae Butler of Building Energy Solutions providing mechanical and electrical engineering. Together, they bring extensive experience in historic rehabilitation and community-centered design.
Renovations include expanding the stage in the main theater to accommodate live performances, replacing the leaking roof, installing new lighting and an HVAC system, updating spaces to be more accessible, replacing the marquee, and other facility enhancements. Funding is supported in part by New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which was awarded to Tupper Lake in 2021.
The rehabilitation will occur in phases, beginning with structural and systems upgrades before moving into design elements that enhance performance space and visitor experience. Once complete, the Adirondack State Theater will serve as a cornerstone of Tupper Lake’s arts, culture, and economic revitalization.
From Susan Delehanty, Board Chair of Tupper Arts: “Tupper Arts is delighted to be working with GYMO as the engineering firm hired to complete the design phase of the Adirondack State Theater. This Downtown Revitalization Initiative project, funded by the State of New York, and approved by Governor Hochul, will be a boost to the local economy of Tupper Lake, add to our quality of life, and significantly improve the streetscape of our business district.”
From Andrew Chary, PLLC, Owner of Andrew Chary Architects: “The Adirondack State Theater is a touchstone centerpiece of not only Tupper Lake, but of the Adirondack Park itself. Its enhancement will infuse performing arts as well as broad appeal film offerings into the daily lives of residents as well as tourists. While reigniting the architectural presence of the noble1914 façade that graced Park Street, the lobby, concessions area, restrooms, and theater tech will be replaced and upgraded to serve as the heartbeat of the region.”
From Matthew Cervini, PE, Partner and Managing Engineer at GYMO: "Every historic rehabilitation is a balance of preservation and progress. We’re working closely with Tupper Arts and Andrew Chary Architect to protect and strengthen the Theater’s structure, modernize its systems, and respect its historic charm. This collaboration is a model for how technical planning and community vision can come together."