originally published: 03/30/2017
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- On March 30, 2017, Montclair Film cut the ribbon on its new home, the Investor’s Bank Film & Media Center, located at 505 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ. On hand to launch the building were Kevin Cummings, President and CEO of Investors Bank, which made the gift of the building to Montclair Film; Bob Silver of the Bravitas Group, who was Project Director of the renovation; and Evelyn Colbert, President, and Bob Feinberg, Chairman, of the Montclair Film Board.
The ribbon cutting was the culmination of a two year process that began in May of 2015 with the formal announcement of the gift of the building from Investors Bank to Montclair Film. Over the past two years, Montclair Film has worked with an outstanding group of professionals to develop the building into a state of the art home for the organization’s film, education, and administrative programs.
The team was assembled by the Bravitas Group and includes Project Manager Katie Long from Bravitas; Architects Paul Sionas and Rick Jarzembowski from Sionas Architecture, PC; Design Architect Rachael Grochowski from RHG Architecture + Design; Contractor Jack Finn, Project Manager Lance Hoffman, and Ken Jarvis from Jack Finn & Company, Building Contractors, LLC; and Partners Larry Slous, Cal Trevenen, and Of Council Todd Wieseneck of Ashenfelter, Slous, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP.
"The opening of our new building is the realization of a dream, where a community focused not-for-profit and a financial institution partner to create opportunities for our constituents, patrons, and students while providing great, entertaining programming for the community throughout the year,” said Kevin Cummings, President and CEO of Investors Bank.
“Just in time for the launch of our 6th annual film festival, Montclair Film has a wonder- ful, permanent home in Montclair Center, that will not only allow us to expand our educational and entertainment offerings, but will add to the ongoing renaissance of Montclair,” said Montclair Film Founder and Chairman Bob Feinberg. “We look forward to welcoming our neighbors from near and far to the Investors Bank Film & Media Center."
“We are very grateful to the extraordinary team of developers, designers, and builders whose leadership and vision helped Montclair Film realize our long-held goal of having our own home,” said Montclair Film Board Present Evelyn Colbert.
"It was thrilling to be part of the team that transformed a former bank branch into the creative, vibrant new home for Montclair Film,” said Bob Silver of the Bravitas Group. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of their staff and volunteers, the architects, designers, and many talented trades people, Montclair Film now has a gem of a space in the center of Montclair.”
“I am truly grateful and honored to have worked with the visionary team of Montclair Film in bringing them their new home,” said Design Architect Rachael Grochowski from RHG Architecture + Design. “Our team worked hard to create a balance of artistic quality, creative energy, and flexible space that would become uniquely Montclair Film. From a magical ticket booth to focused classrooms, I couldn’t be more excited to see how this space acts as a place to bring community together.”
“It was a very cool project and a great team effort. We wish MFF continued success in their new home,” said Jack Finn, of Jack Finn & Company.
The Investors Bank Film & Media Center will officially open its doors on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 10:00am as the box office for the 2017 Montclair Film Festival. Tickets for members go on sale on April 3, with public tickets on sale Friday, April 7, 2017 at 10:00am.
The sixth annual Montclair Film Festival will take place from April 28 through May 7, 2017. MFF 2017 is made possible through generous support from Investors Bank; Audible; Hackensack Meridian Health; the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey; Ashenfelter, Slous, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP; Chubb; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; and William H. Connolly & Co., and others. Their programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism and New Jersey State Council on the Arts. For information about Montclair Film, visit www.montclairfilmfest.org
Photos by Neil Grabowsky / Montclair Film
