EEDC and Bergen Performing Arts Center Sign Lease On Former Bennett Studios

Following approval by the Englewood City Council and their respective boards, The Englewood Economic Development Corporation and the Bergen Performing Arts Center are pleased to announce the signing of a long-term lease for the new home of the bergenPAC Performing Arts School, to be located in the former Bennett Studios / Railroad Station building on North Van Brunt Street. Renovation of the building is expected to begin immediately.

The lease is an outgrowth of the tremendous demand for additional classes at bergenPAC's Performing Arts School, "We are thrilled about the new possibilities this building will provide us," says Edmondo Schwartz, Chairman of the Board at bergenPAC. "It gives us the space to open our programming to children with special needs as well as to expand our growing performing arts curriculum in a first class facility."

EEDC Chair Adam Brown believes the new facility will have a huge positive impact on the community as well. "The expansion of the Performing Arts School exemplifies the City's and the PAC's shared commitment to the arts, and to the children that live in our area. The Performing Arts School is open to children of all ages in Englewood, Northern New Jersey and throughout the region, offering unparalleled arts education classes taught by top professionals in their craft. With additional space and proximity to the existing Theater, North Van Brunt Street will be reinforced as the 'Avenue of the Performing Arts' in Englewood."

Mayor Frank Huttle III and bergenPAC's Honorary Chairman stated, "The new bergenPAC Performing Arts School, at one of our City's significant historical buildings, is a dream come true for me. The idea of expanding the scope of bergenPAC and providing the highest levels of performing arts education for our children regardless of their age, ability or financial status, is seven years in the making. Both during the day, and in 'After 3' programs, our children will benefit in every facet of their lives."