Queens Theatre in the Park Renovated by M/WBE Contractor

Sharan Builders, Inc. completed the project two months ahead of schedule and $375,000 under budget

Contact: Shoshana Khan, 718-391-1251, KhanSho@ddc.nyc.gov

(Corona, NY – August 26, 2019) A certified M/WBE contractor working for the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has completed an $1.47 million interior renovation and refurbishment of the Queens Theatre in the Park two months ahead of schedule and $375,000 below the original budget. DDC managed the project for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA).

Sharan Builders Inc. completed a $1.47 million interior renovation of Queens Theatre in the Park

Contractor Sharan Builders, Inc. of College Point, NY specializes in masonry, interior framing, tile work, concrete and commercial kitchen installation. The firm has completed contracts with several State and City agencies including Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York State Office of General Services (0GS), New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), National Park Service (NPS) and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

Dressing rooms were renovated to improve ADA accessibility, light fixtures were rewired and garage paint epoxy was removed to seal and level the floors

“This project by Sharan Builders is an example of the high-quality work we consistently receive from M/WBEs,” said DDC Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “We strive to continuously support our contractors and urge firms that meet the M/WBE criteria to become M/WBE-certified and take advantage of the opportunities the City of New York and DDC offer.”

“The M/WBE program created a revenue stream that contributed to the growth of Sharan Builders, Inc.,” said Sharan Builders Inc. President Manjit Singh. “The program provides us with networking opportunities and is great stepping stone for business owners who may otherwise find it difficult to sustain or grow their business.”

New wooden panels, gypsum board and carpet were installed in the waiting and lounge area at Queens Theatre in the Park

After being managed by various organizations, Queens Theatre was established in 1989, and opened at its current location in 1993 after a $4 million renovation, renaming the Theaterama space to the Claire Shulman Theatre. A $23 million expansion was completed in 2013, creating the theatre’s glass-encased Nebula lobby and additional performance and office spaces.

The newly completed project is the first of a two-phase capital improvement plan to fully renovate the original spaces of the facility. Four bathrooms on the lower level were fully updated with new plumbing, light fixtures, stalls and tiling. The flooring in the dressing rooms were refinished, lighting fixtures were rewired and replaced and countertops and vanities were fully replaced to improve American With Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. The Theatre’s inner lobby spaces were also renovated, the gypsum board ceiling was replaced to accommodate new energy efficient lighting fixtures, HVAC diffusers and sprinkler heads. New carpeting was installed throughout the lobby and the former wall laminate was replaced with wooden panels.

The final phase of the plan is currently being developed with DCLA to include new theatrical rigging systems, new seating and a redesigned floorplan to provide greater accessibility.

Bathrooms were fully renovated with new tiles, walls, ceilings, countertops, stall dividers and motion censored toilets and sinks

DDC is the leading mayoral agency in the City’s M/WBE program, having made more than $1.9 billion in contract awards to M/WBEs since 2014. DDC’s M/WBE utilization rate in the City’s most recent fiscal year was 22.9%. Over the past four years the DDC Office of Diversity & Industry Relations has hosted 24 and attended more than 150 procurement events, engaging almost 13,085 vendors, including 6,567 M/WBEs.

Contractors or M/WBEs seeking more information about DDC programs and contracting opportunities should contact the DDC Office of Diversity & Industry Relations at DDCODIR@ddc.nyc.gov.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $14 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.