Journey with Tom: Day 1 on Hudson's Aural Excursion
In the heart of New York's mid-Hudson Valley, nestled among picturesque landscapes, lies the Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG) headquarters. For over three decades, this esteemed design firm, co-founded by architect John Storyk and Beth Walters, has been a beacon for music and film enthusiasts worldwide.
John Storyk, renowned for his work in designing recording studios, played a pivotal role in transforming a nightclub into a recording studio in the iconic town of Woodstock. The Orpheum Theatre, now part of the Upstate Films arts organization, boasts an Atmos room designed by Storyk, making it the only Dolby Atmos theater in a 50-mile radius.
The main WSDG house, once Beth Walters' original home in the area, is now a bustling hub of creativity. Open areas, private offices, drafting tables, standing workstations, a full kitchen, and multiple whiteboards are just a few of the features that make WSDG a dynamic workspace. The main house is also filled with Yankees memorabilia, family memories, books, artwork, and fun tchotchkes, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere.
WSDG's team of about 10 to 15 employees work in collaboration on multiple projects simultaneously, a testament to the company's dedication to excellence. John Storyk, an early riser, oversees 25 to 30 active design projects, ensuring the continued success of the company.
The author, a fan of legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, The Band, Janis Joplin, Todd Rundgren, and Levon, was privileged to visit WSDG as part of a four-day tour of the mid-Hudson Valley region. During the visit, the author was invited to tour a studio up near Burlington, Vermont, further showcasing Storyk's influence in the industry.
Interns at WSDG are not only educated but also actively involved in the projects, with paid internships offering valuable real-world experience. To accommodate these interns, John Storyk and Beth Walters provide a house next door for lodging, and a new one is being built across the street.
The visit to WSDG culminated in a magical evening at the Orpheum Theatre, where the filmmaker Jeffreys, along with his wife and daughter, enjoyed a screening of "The King of In Between." This documentary, now available on Prime Video, offers a fascinating insight into the life and music of Todd Rundgren.
In conclusion, the Walters-Storyk Design Group, under the guidance of John Storyk and Beth Walters, continues to be a pioneer in the world of music and film production. The WSDG headquarters, located at 262 Martin, Poughkeepsie, New York, stands as a testament to their dedication and passion for creating exceptional spaces that foster creativity and innovation.
The Walters-Storyk Design Group's headquarters, a creative hub filled with Yankees memorabilia, family memories, books, artwork, and fun tchotchkes (WSDG main house), provides an inviting atmosphere for its team of 10 to 15 employees who work collaboratively on multiple projects simultaneously (WSDG team).
The author's tour of WSDG included a visit to a studio up near Burlington, Vermont, showcasing the influence of John Storyk in the industry (studio tour). Furthermore, the documentary "The King of In Between," offering an insight into Todd Rundgren's life and music, was enjoyed at the Orpheum Theatre, a testament to WSDG's involvement in entertainment and film production (Orpheum Theatre).
