Renewing Legacy: Resurrecting the Main Floor and Stage of the Rockport Opera House
In April 2023, our Rockport-based team received an inquiry from the esteemed Rockport Opera House, a historic institution. Their request entailed the restoration of the main Opera House floor ,stage and green room totaling nearly 4,000 square feet of hardwood flooring, worn down by the passage of time and water damage. What added to the challenge was the pressing deadline, as the organization needed to be ready for their first show of the year on September 8th.
While this undertaking might have seemed nearly impossible, our team was determined to assist this beloved community beacon. Once our proposal was accepted, we swiftly sprung into action, ensuring every moment was utilized efficiently to rejuvenate the historic building for future generations.
The initial phase of demolition began on July 12th, demanding the removal not only of the damaged flooring but also the subflooring beneath. Decades of foot traffic and a previous structural renovation in the 90’s had caused the floor to shift, necessitating a meticulous re-leveling process to ensure the new flooring aligned perfectly…well almost perfectly. Our team worked tirelessly, often late into the night, in shifts to keep the project on schedule. During this intense phase, they humorously relied on American Flatbread pizza, Seafolk's coffee, and Freya's gelato to keep them going. Indeed, approval for this project was granted under the condition that our team could only dedicate time to it during nights and weekends. This limitation stemmed from pre-existing commitments and scheduled work, necessitating an all-hands-on-deck approach to meet the project's demands. (as shown below)
Like a skilled maestro orchestrating a symphony, Hay Runner's Alex Hernandez flawlessly coordinated every aspect of the project, ensuring that project objectives were consistently met. Alex commented, "This project required our team to step up and get the job done.”... “I'm proud that we were able to help the Rockport Opera House achieve their goals in a timely manner."
“This project required our team to step up and get the job done.”
With one of the largest orders of hardwood flooring and Advantech subflooring arriving at the site, the team meticulously prepared for a smooth transition into the installation phase. The choice of maple flooring was driven by its durability and resilience, capable of standing the test of time.
As the deadline loomed, our team shifted into overdrive to ensure the project was completed on schedule. When we reached the finish line on September 6th, our entire team came together to celebrate this achievement, sharing photos and cherished memories from the project. Above all, the client was delighted with the final outcome, and we felt privileged to have been a part of it.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the incredible members of the community and the Rockport Opera House team who collaborated with us throughout this project.
Brief history of the Rockport Opera House
Dating back to 1891, the Rockport Opera House has worn many hats over the years, serving as a town meeting space, library, theater, concert hall, and Y.M.C.A. Through various uses and changes, it has remained an integral part of the Rockport community, ensuring its significance for years to come. For more information about its history and upcoming events, click here.
Subcontractors:
Ron Hartford (electrician)
Acadia Wood Floors
Bay View Painting
Riverside Disposal
Viking Lumber
Hammond Lumber
N.C. Hunt
F.W. Webb
Michele Lewis Cleaning
Photography: Greg Clarke & Matt Day
Our Work
Check out our portfolio to learn more about this project and others.