Suffolk Theater wins design award from architectural organization
Two-and-a-half years after it reopened its doors in downtown Riverhead, the Suffolk Theater was honored by the Peconic chapter of the American Institute of Architects for its design.
The theater and the architecture firm behind its revitalization, Stott Architecture of Southampton, received an “honor,” the highest commendation in the 2015 Daniel J. Rowen Design Awards at a gala earlier this month at the Southampton Art Center.
“It’s exciting,” said Richard Stott, whose firm worked with owner Bob Castaldi to renovate the theater. “It’s always nice to be recognized, especially by your peers, but more importantly, it’s a great civic project and I think it brought a new vitality to downtown Riverhead that was needed.”
In March 2013, the theater reopened after more than six years of construction projects. Until that point, it had been closed for more than 25 years — last open to the public for a showing of “Dirty Dancing” in 1987.
The theater, with its classic art deco feel, was first built in 1933. It also received a New York State Historic Preservation Award last year.
Two other projects received an “honor” award at Saturday’s ceremony. Seven more were noted for their work.
Photo Caption: The historic Suffolk Theater in downtown Riverhead. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder, file)
