Location
131 West 55th Street

Completion
2011

Client
New York City Center

Square Footage
165,000 SF / 2,200 Seat Theater

Design Architect
Ennead Architects LLP

Exterior Restoration Architect
Dattner Architects

LEED
Silver

New York City Center Renovation Project

Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the two-phased renovation and restoration of the landmark New York City Center. The theater is home to the Tony-honored Encores! series and leading dance and theater companies, including Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Manhattan Theatre Club. The work included facade restoration, back-of-house renovations, restoration of the historic auditorium, and upgrades to stage technical systems. The interior work also included improved auditorium seating and sightlines, expanded restrooms and concession areas, and restoration of historic paint finishes and lighting, significantly improving amenities for both artists and audiences.

The first phase was completed over an extended summer period in 2010, with City Center remaining operational during portions of the renovation. Suspended swing scaffolding was installed within the auditorium so ceiling restoration could continue over the winter, with the work coordinated around the theater’s active performance season. City Center then closed for seven months in 2011 for the major interior renovation. The project required phased construction, suspended overhead access, and careful sequencing around an active performance schedule.

Project Awards

April 24, 2019

AIA New York Chapter Design Award
Architecture Design Award of Merit

April 24, 2019

The Preservation League of New York State
Excellence in Historic Preservation Award

April 24, 2019

AIA New York State
Design Award

April 24, 2019

Chicago Athenaeum
American Architecture Award

April 24, 2019

Municipal Art Society of New York
MASterworks Residential Restoration Award

April 24, 2019

New York Landmarks Conservancy
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award

April 24, 2019

Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)
Award of Merit