DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema opens to the public
By Paul S. Alter, AIA, Design Principal and Managing Partner
Jon Alpert, DCTV Co-Founder and President speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony
After years of extensive design collaboration with our client, DCTV, we are thrilled to announce that what was once the stable of this historic NYC firehouse has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art documentary film center. On September 20, 2022, the public opening and ribbon cutting ceremony solidified this transformation to be a perfect addition to New York City’s cultural venues and the celebration was attended by loyal friends, long-time supporters, elected officials, staff, leadership, the design and construction team, and numerous representatives from the media. As one Board member noted, it was a “Jon and Keiko miracle in the making” and a 50-year dream come true, only made possible due to the relentless effort and commitment of leadership, staff, and staunch community support.
THE FIREHOUSE
Historic photo of Engine Company 31 building designed by architect Napoleon LeBrun & Sons (left) and DCTV circa 2006 (right)
DCTV, founded by the award-winning documentary filmmakers Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno, is housed in the historic Engine Company 31 building, designed by Napoleon LeBrun and Sons and completed in 1895. The building is on the US National Register of Historic Places and is designated as an individual landmark by the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission, who had to approve the renovation work.
A NEW CINEMA AND ATELIER
The Firehouse Cinema, SKOLNICK Architecture + Design Partnership
This new 72 seat cinema will be dedicated to “all-documentaries-all the time” – a place where both established and emerging media artists can share their stories, interact with their audiences, conduct symposia, and engage in the process of creative filmmaking. The firehouse is anticipated to become one of NYC’s most recognized destinations for the creation and presentation of socially conscious cinematic experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OPENING
DCTV’s Chief Financial Officer, Catherine Martinez, cuts the ribbon
Jon Alpert, DCTV Co-Founder and President (left) and Paul Alter, AIA, SKOLNICK Principal (right)
David Vimont, AIA, SKOLNICK Associate & Project Manager (left), Catherine Martinez, DCTV CFO (center), and Shaad Zaidi, SKOLNICK Project Architect (right)
Paul Alter, AIA, SKOLNICK Principal posing next to the fire engine-themed concession stand
We encourage everyone to visit DCTV, come to see a unique and high-quality documentary, or attend one of the upcoming events. Click here to check out their programs.
And stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post, where you will get a behind the scenes look at the making of Firehouse: DCTV’s Cinema for Documentary Films and the history of the building and DCTV.
Paul Alter has been an integral part of SKOLNICK since 1986 serving as Design Principal, Managing Partner, and Project Administrator continually exploring the art, design, and craft of building. He brings expertise to this process from his former involvement in boat building, sailing, woodworking, and fabrication. His expertise in varying construction methods, passion for sustainable design, knowledge of renewable resources, and experience working with historic structures continuously sparks new ideas and solutions. These skills combined with his leadership and attention to detail enables SKOLNICK to bring projects to fruition in a timely, well-crafted, and meticulous manner. An ideal liaison with clients and the other key members of design and construction teams, Paul brings unity and focus to the most complex projects.
TEAM CREDITS:
Architect/Lead Designer
SKOLNICK Architecture + Design Partnership
MEP & FP Engineer
Lilker & Associates
Structural Engineer
GMS
Acoustical Designer
Robert Hansen Associates
Lighting Designer
Organic Design
Audio/Visual Film Systems
Boston Light & Sound
Systems Integrator
David Harvey & Associates
Owner’s Representative
LandAir Associates
General Contractor
TirCon Construction
Concession Fabricator
New Project
Geotech Engineer
Mueser Rutledge
Code Consulting/Expediting
JAM Consulting Group
Controlled Inspections
Project Tactical Solutions - PTS