Suffolk Theater shoots for Feb. 2 re-opening in Riverhead

February 2. That’s the date that those behind the transformation of Riverhead’s Suffolk Theater, originally a Depression-era movie palace, say the restored entertainment center will make its grand public debut.

The long-awaited project, which in recent years has failed to meet multiple completion deadlines, is indeed coming together, said owner Bob Castaldi. Construction crews were busy installing a radiant heating system in the Main Street building Friday and concrete is expected to be poured for the floors in a week’s time, he added.

“It’s going really fast now,” Mr. Castaldi said.

When the construction is done the sloping floor will be replaced with level terraces, a design permitting a dinner theater business.

Earlier in the fall the theater set an opening date of New Year’s Eve. Production director Jim Vignato said he remains confident the project’s completion is not far off.

“The fact that we’re here is proof,” he said. “We’re rocking and rolling now.”

Read more about this story in next week’s The Suffolk Times.