Update: October 2015
So Where are We Now with the Building?
Over the past year, as we completed the studio improvement project, there has been a lot of “behind the scenes activity”. The LPCTV Board of Directors’ Buildings & Grounds Committee “fine-tuned” the building plans for the remaining phase of work (the build-out of the offices, expansion of HVAC, office lighting, etc.). We then worked with Wright Construction to complete a cost estimate for the remaining work. We now have an idea of total remaining costs, from which we can put together a budget. During last week’s strategic planning session, the LPCTV Board discussed this topic (among many other items). What came out of that discussion is a plan to put together that budget – and a financing plan- in the coming months.
Another building-related item is that we will be conducting an energy audit to evaluate the energy efficiency of the building as it currently stands, and to determine any needs.
Update: Summer 2015
Studio Lighting & Acoustic Improvements Completed
Thanks to support from the Vermont Arts Council (with a $18,350 Cultural Facilities grant), an $8400 grant from the Okemo Community Challenge, a substantial private donation from a local donor, plus many contributions big & small from community members, we were able to complete the lighting & acoustic improvements in the TV & performance studio. This involved new energy efficient professional studio lighting, re-insulating the walls, a rubber floor, a green screen “cyclorama” wall, and a “talk back” speaker system. Please, come on by and see what we’ve done. Help us put this great new studio to use!
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Update: December 30, 2013
Phase 1 Complete – New Studio is Showcased
This past year we turned a tremendous corner. Nearly two years after leaving our cramped one-room facility in the Ludlow Elementary School, we completed the first and most major phase of our construction project in the new facility in the Ludlow Community Center complex. This work included the brand new TV & performance studio, which community members have begun putting to use. On December 16th, we hosted a Holiday Open House to showcase this new studio and to thank all of those who have helped us get to this point, through financial and other types of support.
During the December 16th event, many guests used the new studio to create their own holiday video greeting cards (which can be found on our Vimeo page). Here is one of those videos, by Marji Graf from Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Now that we have taken big step, our efforts are now focused on Phase 2 construction. This next phase will consist of building out some of the partitions around the TV / performance studio, including the control room, edit suites, and classroom / conference room. It will also focus on improving the sound in the entire space and making it more heat efficient (with the installation of drop ceiling and flooring).
Where are we now with fundraising?
We are now raising funds towards the Phase 2 portion of this project. Early estimates project the Phase 2 cost to be $50,000. By comparison, at approximately $200,000, Phase 1 was the largest and by far the most costly phase, and that is now complete. The total budget for the building project is $300,000. Through a variety of sources, including grants, individual donations, and fundraiser events, we have raised a total of $194,737 over the last two years.
A little history…
In 2011, we at LPCTV launched our present capital campaign, “Building Your Media Future”, the goal for the campaign is to raise $300,000 towards the build-out of the new media facility in the Ludlow Community Center complex (adjacent to Black River Good Neighbors in the old Armory “tank barn”). For the past 2 years we have been working hard on this project, both with construction and fundraising. We have been raising money through a combination of grants, business support, fundraiser events, and personal donations. Thanks to everyone who has contributed towards this project so far! To date, we have raised over $200,000!
We have broken the project down into 3 phases, with Phase 1 being the largest and (by far) the most expensive. We have now completed Phase 1, which has enabled us to move in and begin operations in this new space.
We are now working towards raising the funds for Phase 2, which includes specialized rooms such as the Historical Media Center, and the Digital Learning Center, as well as the more “utilitarian” spaces (lobby, kitchenette, equipment room). With the community’s support and dedication from our staff and volunteers, we will soon be able to include these centerpieces to the new facility. They will allow LPCTV to better serve the community by:
* Preserving our heritage
* Enhancing the educational opportunities
* Keeping you informed & the community connected
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution towards “Building Your Media Future”.
