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 renovation of the New York City Center. The center produces the Tony-honored Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert® series and is home to some of the country’s leading dance companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor Dance Company and Morphoses, as well as Manhattan Theatre Club, one of New York’s leading theater companies. Sciame Construction along with Ennead Architects were responsible for the exterior restoration and interior renovations necessary for the landmarked theater’s ongoing mission of making the arts accessible to the broadest possible audience.
This two-phased project included the façade restoration and theater back-of-house interior renovations over an extended summer period in 2010, followed by a major renovation and restoration of its historic interiors in the summer of 2011. The interior work included replacing stage technical systems with state-of-the-art equipment, improved auditorium seating and sightlines, expanded restrooms and concession areas, and the restoration of historic paint and lighting. The project dramatically improved amenities for both artists and audiences.
Project Awards
AIA New York Chapter Design Award
Architecture Design Award of Merit
The Preservation League of New York State
Excellence in Historic Preservation Award
AIA New York State
Design Award
Chicago Athenaeum
American Architecture Award
Municipal Art Society of New York
MASterworks Residential Restoration Award
New York Landmarks Conservancy
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award
Society of American Registered Architects – New York Council (SARA NY)
Award of Merit
The New Victory Theater – Originally built in 1900 as The Republic, the first performing arts venue on 42nd Street, the theater was transformed into The New Victory in 1995, becoming New York’s first theater for children and families. The renovation uncovered and restored original architectural elements, added a new lobby carved from the existing structure and bedrock, rebuilt the historic staircase, and created space for much-needed restrooms. A rear wing was added for backstage access, dressing rooms, workshops, and a loading dock, while new elevators and rooftop HVAC systems were integrated to meet modern needs of the historic theater.
We’re turning 50! As we count down to Sciame’s 50th anniversary on June 13th, we’re celebrating the moments that shaped us. For the next 50 days, we’ll be sharing one standout project a day in our “Countdown to 50”.
Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and friends! We wouldn’t be here without you.
Sciame is honored to have served as the construction manager for the expansion and refurbishment of The Frick Collection, working alongside Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle to bring this vision to life. As the museum prepares to reopen next month, we’re pleased to see this project receive high praise in The New York Times from esteemed architecture critic Michael Kimmelman.
🔗 Click the link in our bio to read more.
📰: The New York Times
📸: by Lila Barth
Honoring 50 years of Sciame Construction and Frank’s recognition in City & State’s 50 Over 50 List. Thank you for your leadership and lasting impact on the city and the built environment!
