The Community Theatre’s last renovation project expanded stage and backstage facilities for performers. Now, attention is turning to patrons.
This month the Morristown theater will begin improvements to the upstairs balcony lobby that will include expanded rest rooms. The $450,000 project will continue into early next year. Shows should not be affected but the Art Upstairs gallery will be closed.
Once that work is finished, the focus will shift to enhancing the ground floor lobby, rest rooms and marquee, said Joseph Goryeb, chairman of the theater building committee, in a statement.
“The upstairs renovation is the first of a two phase renovation of the front of the house,” Goryeb said.
“Our long range plans call for downstairs lobby renovations, including bathroom additions, a new box office, new marquee, as well as an elevator to the second floor. We do not have an anticipated timeline for a first floor renovation and are currently studying potential architectural plans for a first floor renovation.”
According to an announcement from the theater:
Upon completion, the upstairs lobby will be a beautiful, warm and inviting new space with additional restrooms and upgraded concessions bar. When you walk up the stairs to the second floor, you will be able to see across the entire width of the balcony to the stairs on the other side of the house. The balcony lobby will be an open atrium. Additional windows will flood the balcony with natural light.
Bathrooms will be housed against the wall where the current Art Upstairs gallery exhibits. The Women’s room will have nine stalls (it currently has five); the men’s room will have 5 urinals and 3 stalls (it currently has 3 urinals and 2 stalls). Each bathroom will also meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Andrew Passacantando of Passacantando Architects, AIA, is handling the design. The nonprofit theater is seeking financial support for these projects, at 973-539-0345 ext. 6514.
