Hudson Voyage: Audiobook Expedition, Day 1 (Tom's Journey)
John Storyk's Historical Tour of the Mid-Hudson Valley's Musical Legacy
John Storyk, a renowned architect and acoustician, recently led a tour through the Mid-Hudson Valley region, showcasing the profound impact his firm, Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG), has had on the area's musical heritage.
The tour began at the headquarters of WSDG, located at 262 Martin, where Storyk and his partner, Beth Walters, reside. The main house, transformed over the years into a beautiful home, is filled with Yankees memorabilia, family memories, books, artwork, and local materials.
On any given day, anywhere from 10 to 15 people are working at WSDG, starting at 8 a.m. The walls of the office are adorned with magazine covers from various architectural and entertainment projects around the world, a testament to Storyk's global influence.
One of the highlights of the tour was the Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties, the only Dolby Atmos theater in a 50-mile radius. The Atmos room was designed by Storyk and is named The Mark, in tribute to local resident Mark Braunstein. The evening was hosted by Braunstein's family, described as magical and unexpected.
The Upstate Films organization, which runs the Orpheum Theatre, also includes other locations such as the Starr Rhinebeck and a soon-to-be-completed 75-seat Atmos screening room in Kingston.
Storyk's connection to the Mid-Hudson Valley region dates back to the 1960s, when he designed his parents' retirement home near Byrdcliffe Road, close to where Bob Dylan lived. His early work in the area also includes his involvement with Bearsville Studios and Bearsville Theater, projects initiated by Albert Grossman, Dylan's manager.
Around 2024-2025, the Bearsville Theater underwent a significant upgrade and reopened with new sound technology, continuing the legacy of the site which Storyk helped shape. Other notable projects in the area include Todd Rundgren’s Utopia Video Studio and accompanying restaurants, all designed by Storyk.
The tour also included stops in Woodstock, Kingston, and other towns, highlighting the profound impact WSDG’s designs have had on the region’s musical heritage and continuing legacy. Storyk's influence is evident in the sophisticated architectural and acoustic design that links legendary artists and venues across the Mid-Hudson Valley.
In addition to his historical work, Storyk and WSDG remain active with current projects and public engagement through tours and educational events, sharing their extensive expertise in audio and acoustic design. The documentary "The King of In Between" about Garland Jeffreys, which can be found on Prime Video, was one such event, with a special screening held at the Orpheum Theatre.
Interns at WSDG are paid, educated, and involved, continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence that Storyk and Walters have established. As Storyk oversees around 25 to 30 active design projects, it is clear that his impact on the music industry will continue to be felt for years to come.
John Storyk, co-founder of Walters-Storyk Design Group, has not only left an indelible mark on the Mid-Hudson Valley region but has also become a global leader in studio design and acoustic consulting. His tour offers a unique glimpse into the history and future of music, architecture, and design.
References: 1. Walters-Storyk Design Group 2. John Storyk: The Acoustic Architect 3. John Storyk: A Legacy of Innovation 4. WSDG: Educational Events
- John Storyk, renowned architect and co-founder of Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG), shared insights about the group's impact on local music heritage during a tour that started at the WSDG headquarters, Studio 262 Martin.
- One of the tour's highlights was the Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties, an Atmos theater designed by Storyk, where the magically unexpected evening was hosted by the Braunstein family.
- With WSDG's influence evident across the Mid-Hudson Valley, Storyk continues to engage the public through tours, educational events, and current projects, like the audio and acoustic design for Todd Rundgren’s Utopia Video Studio and restaurants.
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