IMAGINE OUR FUTURE

OLIVE OPERA HOUSE

63-67 Central Avenue, Ossining, NY

purpose

Anchoring the corner of Central Avenue and Brandreth Street, 63-67 Central Avenue is a unique building in the fabric of downtown Ossining. The building was constructed in 1865 as Olive Hall, the theater was built by Hugh Herringshaw.

Throughout the years “The Olive” hosted concerts, plays, musical shows, community events, celluloid entertainment, and amateur nights. It has held many forms: a movie theater, a dress manufacturing warehouse, a community action center, artist’s lofts, and now, a bookstore.

The existing 13,000 sf building longs to be transformed into an active place of expression, exhibition, and reflection with accessible performance and gallery opportunities to support the Ossining art community.

We’re on pursuit to bring this vision alive.

The current building, well loved, is longing and ready for a sustainable transformation to bring more active performance and gallery spaces.

#oliveoperahouse

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through
the years

Featured

1865 - 1874

Designed by Hugh Herringshaw as a central theater in Ossining for entertainment including celluloid entertainment. A fire in 1874 destroyed the building and prompted a new structure.

1874 - 1914

In all these forms, the building embedded community legacies within its structure: Jesse Collyer Jr., May Hope, John L. Sullivan, Jimmy Walker, Lillian Russell, and more.

1914 - 1938

Began operating as a movie theater and was one of seven motion picture venues to operate in Ossining.

1938 - 1976

Closed its doors to the entertainment world, modifications converted the building to accommodate the Steward Manufacturing Company, a dress manufacturing company.

1977- 1982

The building became host to the Community Action Program in the early 1980's and a fitness center and karate school on the ground floor.

1982 - 2018

The building served as a Feldenkrais studio and lofts/workspaces for many artists, including Katherine Fan. It was also the home of Creazzi Upholstery, and M & M Embroidery.

In 1874, the building was destroyed by a fire and replaced with the current structure.

Both past and present artists have given The Olive stories to tell, messages to convey, and moments of reflection.

#artistsofolive

where
we’re going

The owners envision this project as an opportunity to provide and extend inspirational performance space to the community of - and surrounding - Ossining. Beyond and without regard to financial gain, it is an exercise in growing the community they were raised in.

Current anticipated building program includes transforming the existing 13,000 square foot building into an active, 21st Century cultural hub. The building's unique attributes support a wide range of arts and performance use scenarios.

The four levels will be optimized and renovated to occupy flexible workspaces, studios, and a performance space with modular stage.

We’ve envisioned the future of our creative building into thoughtfully dynamic spaces.