Our History

1999

  • Town of East Hampton acquires Playhouse after site is donated by developers; historic building rescued from demolition.
  • The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation is formed to help the Town of East Hampton convert the Playhouse building to a community center. 

2003

  • $350,000 grant awarded by the New York State Office of Parks and Historic Preservation,additional private donations are received. East Hampton Town Councilman Peter Hammerle says, “The scales are tipped in favor of restoration.”

2005

  • The Integration of East Hampton Town Human Services and Recreation Centers are included in the first phase of construction.

2006

  • The Montauk Playhouse Community Center opens. 

2008

  • New York State Preservation League grants its “Excellence in Historic Preservation Award” to the Montauk Playhouse.
  • The Ocean Swim Challenge fundraising event is successfully launched in association with the East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue Squad.

2013

  • The Playhouse Foundation conducts a needs assessment survey to determine the types of programs and activities the Montauk community needs, wants, and will be able to support in a completed community center.

2014

  • Needs assessment survey results show overwhelming community support for both an Aquatic Center and a multi-use space for cultural events, conferences, and more, with over 90% of full-time residents and seasonal homeowners favoring these uses.

2015

  • The Town of East Hampton extends the lease term in recognition of the long term needs of the MPCCF. 

2017

  • East Hampton Town Board meeting votes unanimously to approve $3 million in matching funds to the project. 

2018

  • The Foundation has its strongest fundraising year yet.
  • $250,000 Sarah & Maurice Iudicone challenge grant is successfully matched.

2019

  • The Foundation hires Julia McCormack as Director of Development.
  • The Foundation receives a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor in support of our mission to complete the historic Playhouse building with an Aquatic and Cultural Arts Center.

2020

  • A comprehensive update of the Foundation’s Business Plan is completed.
  • The Foundation’s annual Montauk Swim Challenge fundraising event goes “virtual” and is a great success. 

2022

  • The Foundation’s most successful fundraising year yet, with several significant donations and pledges bringing us within striking range of our goal to allow for construction commencement.
  • Hired Dan Paquette, an owner’s representative to oversee and manage construction.
  • Retained ISE, an engineering/construction firm to verify and update all architectural plans to fulfill Montauk’s programming vision and priority needs.
  • Ensured that all required state, county, and town permits are in place.
  • Completed pre-construction work required to commence construction.
  • Conducted project review for input and guidance from 30+ Montauk stakeholders including East Hampton town board members, business leaders, cultural leaders, and residents.

2023

  • Feasibility Study/Stakeholder Report completed by James Lima Planning + Development (JLP+D): Project feasibility and community need validated. Click to view report.
  • Foundation President Sarah Iudicone presents a Project Update, including Feasibility Study/Stakeholder Report, to Town of East Hampton Board at April work session. Click to view presentation.
  • East Hampton Town Board commits an additional $2 million to the project, bringing the Town’s total commitment to $5 million.
  • Imagine Swimming identified as potential operator of first floor Aquatic Center; proposal is submitted to MPCCF Board.
  • Foundation President Sarah Iudicone presents a Final Construction Plan to Town of East Hampton Board at June work session. Click to view report. Click to view presentation. 
  • In July, the East Hampton Town Board unanimously approved a resolution accepting the Playhouse Foundation’s donation of the finalized Aquatic Center building plans.
  • Successful Ocean Swim Challenge fundraiser held on Sunday, July 23 at Ditch Plains beach. 
  • Groundbreaking Ceremony for phase 1, first floor Aquatic Center held on Wednesday, August 2 at the Playhouse. 
  • Comprehensive new architectural floor plans and artistic renderings of the 1st and 2nd floors were completed.
  • The East Hampton Town Board opened and closed the bidding process for construction of the 1st floor Aquatic Center. Bid evaluation is currently ongoing, and we’re looking forward to sharing an update and construction timeline with you in the new year!
  • In October, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. announced a $1.75 million New York State capital funding grant in support of our mission to complete the historic Montauk Playhouse Community Center.

2024

  • In July, our successful Ocean Swim Challenge was held at Kirk Park Beach, in collaboration with East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue.
  • As construction continues at a brisk pace throughout the summer, the Foundation shared a Project Update and continues to fundraise to furnish and outfit the new spaces to prepare them for vibrant programming.