New York, New York, USA
The Palace Theatre redevelopment by PBDW Architects for L&L Holding Company represents a pioneering effort to combine historic preservation with modern urban innovation. Since its construction in 1913, the Palace Theatre has been at the heart of the world-renowned Broadway theater scene and was designated an interior New York City landmark in 1987. The project’s goal was to elevate and transform the iconic Broadway theater to secure its future while maintaining its architectural and cultural significance.
Palace Theatre Restoration won an American Architecture Award 2025 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
A defining achievement of the project was the physical elevation of the theater by 30 feet, while preserving the detailed historic ornamentation – an engineering marvel that created of new commercial space beneath the structure. This unprecedented feat required innovative stabilization methods, including a complex web of scaffolding, precision monitoring of the plasterwork, and cutting-edge engineering.
A team of ten preservation and conservation consultants and peer reviewers safeguarded the historic integrity of the building during the lift. By retaining and enhancing the existing structure, the project avoided the environmental costs of demolition and reconstruction. This sustainable approach conserved resources, reduced waste, and preserved cultural heritage, while the addition of commercial space supports community revitalization.
Inside the theater, a thoughtful redesign seamlessly combined historic preservation with modern functionality. The team meticulously restored lost finishes, recreating the historic wallpaper using fire-retardant printed canvas to replicate the moiré effect of the original silk brocade. Existing structures, such as super-columns and historic plaster, were preserved, while updated finishes replaced those that had changed over time.
The new design features a luxurious palette, including deep blue carpeting with gold accents and plush blue velvet seating, creating a striking backdrop for a large, glowing Art Deco-inspired chandelier. The original chandelier, long since removed and replaced with downlights, had diminished the dome’s visual impact. The custom-designed chandelier now reclaims this grandeur, illuminating the intricate gilded plasterwork and highlighting the instruments molded into the ceiling’s pendentives, bringing new life to the theater’s historic charm.
Modern amenities enhance both functionality and adaptability. Expanded front-of-house areas, advanced back-of-house facilities, and upgraded safety features within the theater. Sprinklers and custom acoustical fire-rated doors were recreated to match original theater entry doors. Appropriately sized brass handrails were added where missing along with code required lighting. Comfortable wider seats replaced narrower earlier seating. Additionally, the stage house is designed for maximum flexibility, featuring a fully trappable stage that can be deconstructed and adjusted in elevation to meet a wide variety of future production requirements.
Accessibility enhancements were integral to the project’s vision of inclusivity. A new side-street entrance, complete with escalators and elevators, streamlined access for all patrons. Wider doorways and designated accessible seating areas further ensured that the theater could welcome a diverse audience. Universal design features, including hearing assistance loops and adaptable lighting, sound, and temperature controls, made the theater an inclusive space for all visitors.
By elevating and reimagining the Palace Theatre, this project secured its place as a cherished cultural landmark and a beacon of innovation. Through its thoughtful blend of preservation and modernization, the Palace Theatre now stands as a testament to the enduring importance of honoring history while embracing progress.
Theater Architect and Preservation Architects: PBDW Architects
Design Team: Scott Duenow, James Seger, Debora Barros, Brigitte Cook, Sean King, Brooke Collaer, Leonardo Garcia, Kristin Bauer, Michael Neglia, Jennifer Whisenhunt, Leza Rozmarek, Nick Shrier, Kylee Pearson, Kamay Jin, Marshall Sellers, Vikrant Dalvi, Cornell Chu, Jack Rutka, Edward May, Laura Boynton, Lawrence Chen, Heidi Kippenhan, Brigitte Cook, Sean King, Brooke Collaer, Leonardo Garcia, Kristin Bauer, Michael Neglia, Jennifer Whisenhunt, Leza Rozmarek, and Nick Shrier
Architects of Record: (FOH/BOH and Tower): Mancini Duffy
Original Architects: Kirchhoff & Rose (1913)
General Contractor: Structure Tone
Client: L&L Holding Company
Photographers: Francis Dzikowski
