Bronxville School District Completes New Auditorium this Month

By Michael Ganci

After years of planning, a highly successful fundraising drive and a few construction setbacks, Bronxville students and the community at large will benefit from a comprehensive, state-of-the-art renovation of the school auditorium, scheduled for completion by the end of this month.

The $7.5 million project features a side lobby addition and terrace, restored windows, new side balconies and wood trim throughout, reflecting the original building design. With a capacity of 500, the auditorium has improved seating, acoustics and sightlines. KG&D Architecture designed the project in conjunction with Theatre Projects, theater and acoustic specialists, and Park East served as the construction managers.

While the auditorium had a partial certificate of occupancy on the first day of school, the facility cannot be used for most purposes pending complete installation of sound systems, stage lights and technical controls.

In addition to capital funds authorized by Bronxville voters, the project was enhanced significantly by gifts from the PTA, the Bronxville School Foundation and private citizens. The project was budgeted at $7.5 million. Of that, the PTA contributed $875,000, the Bronxville School Foundation contributed $850,000, and a group of private citizens raised an additional $1.95 million. The total of $3.675 million donated funds enabled the District to enhance the design and increase the scope of the project in a significant way.

The auditorium was originally scheduled to be completed by February 2015, but the general contractor defaulted (due to a bankruptcy). However, the total project cost to the District will be within the amount authorized by voters. That is because the bonding company that took over the project guaranteed that the District would not be charged any additional amounts over the original contract cost. In addition, damage awards and claims by the District are expected to reduce the total costs further.

An opening reception inviting the public to see the facility and to thank all those who made the project possible is planned for early October.

“The new auditorium will expand opportunities and add a significant resource to our learning environment,” Superintendent David Quattrone said. “We look forward to an October reception, when the entire community can take a firsthand look at this community treasure.”

Photo credit: Bronxville Union Free School District