The Town of East Hampton approved bids and accepted a donation from the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation for the development of the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Aquatic Center and Community Multi-Use Cultural Center.
Initially planned as separate endeavors in two phases, the combined project is estimated to cost just over $16.1 million, encompassing construction expenses totaling $13.9 million alongside administrative and management costs.
This venture represents a genuine public-private partnership, with contributions from the Town of East Hampton, the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation, and the state of New York. East Hampton Town will allocate $5.5 million and an additional $114,000 water quality grant for a new low-nitrogen septic system. Meanwhile, New York State is providing a grant of $1.75 million. The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation has raised and donated $8.25 million from Montauk residents and project supporters.
Construction on the approximately 25,000 square-foot facility is set to commence in early April, and expected to take up to 18 months to complete. Upon completion, the Aquatic Center will feature a 25-yard, 4-lane lap fitness pool for instructional swimming, alongside a smaller 32 foot by 33 foot shallow pool for rehabilitation and therapeutic services. Additionally, the second floor will house the Multi-Use Cultural Center, serving as a versatile space for various activities including performances, lectures, classes, conferences, and meetings.
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez expressed delight at the accelerated progress of the Montauk Playhouse revitalization, highlighting the center's future role in providing social, cultural, and aquatic fitness programs for generations to come. She extended gratitude to the MPCCF, its funders, and Montauk residents for their vision and ongoing support.
Sarah Iudicone, President of the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the significant milestone achieved in partnership with the Town of East Hampton. Iudicone emphasized the community's philanthropic spirit and commitment to civic engagement, underscoring the project's status as one of Montauk's largest privately funded endeavors.
Throughout the construction phase, the existing Montauk Playhouse facilities will remain open.
