Lee Babitt, PM for Count Basie Theatre Renovations, Celebrates 3rd Anniversary of Project Completion
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Lee Babitt of Slate Medical and Dental Construction Services, who managed renovations pro bono for the Count Basie Theatre's Grand Reopening in 2008, celebrates the third anniversary of the project's completion.
- Philadelphia, PA-NJ (1888PressRelease) August 30, 2011 - Lee Babitt of Slate Medical and Dental Construction Services will soon be celebrating the third anniversary of his work at the Count Basie Theatre during its comprehensive renovations in 2008. For the historic restoration project, Babitt served as pro bono General Construction Manager, and donated his construction profit to the Count Basie Theatre Foundation totaling $800,000 and resulting in a total cost savings to this historic theatre of $2,000,000.
The original restoration plan was scheduled to take five months, but was completed in less than four months, driven by Babitt's and his team's full-time, 24/7 commitment to the project. Major improvements of this $ 8,000,000 endeavor included installation of a steel catwalk above the 40-foot dome, removal and replacement of disintegrated plaster walls, moldings and ceilings, repainting, extensive electrical and plumbing replacement, expanding the lobby and recreating the Theatre's starburst dome.
Babitt is also President of Slate Entertainment Group, which drew a connection between his musical interests and renovating the historical Jersey Shore performance venue. "I remember arriving at the theater for the first time after signing on for the project," says Babitt. "Right away I could see how special the place was, and is, to the community."
"It was an enormous project, but when it was all said and done, the reward was immeasurable for me and those who worked so hard to restore the Theatre," says Babitt.
The Count Basie Theatre presented a California Dreamin'-themed concert by the Jersey Shore Rock N Soul Revue at its Grand Reopening on October 30, 2008. The third anniversary of the Grand Reopening will be marked with a performance by the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra on October 30, 2011.
For more information about the Count Basie Theatre and upcoming events, visit http://www.countbasietheatre.org.
About Lee Babitt
Lee Babitt is the president of Slate Entertainment Group and also the CEO of Slate Medical & Dental Services. Alongside his entrepreneurial efforts, Lee Babitt regularly dedicates time and funds to several philanthropic endeavors, including local playground construction, the 4-H Club, A Step Toward Hope, Band Together for Survival and serving on various fundraising boards.
For more information about Lee Babitt, please visit http://www.leebabitt.com.
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