Apollo Theater Renovation

Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater is undergoing a significant renovation and expansion for the first time in its 108-year-old history. The renovation will improve public areas and audience comfort, enhance artists’ accommodations and preserve and update the iconic exterior of the building.

The scope of work includes a fully revitalized interior, including a new lobby with a café and bar that will be open to the public throughout the day, soundstage, restoration to the orchestra pit, the addition of new seating; enhancements to backstage support elements such as upgraded lighting and audio systems; and the integration of new building and life safety systems. Additionally there will be a complete modernization of elevators and bathrooms, upgraded HVAC, fire suppression and technology systems. The exterior work includes repairing and restoring the iconic façade and marquee and upgrades to new LED technology. Consigli will lead the meticulous restoration, renovation, and modernization of the existing four-story building while the theater is closed for six months during construction to achieve this unique vision. Pre-construction will include extensive laser scanning and constructibility reviews to verify the existing conditions within the historic ceiling and theater spaces. A significant amount of specialty plaster restoration will take place on the balcony area adjacent to the theater stage. M/E/P upgrades include ductwork; additionally, there will be new lighting and IT and equipment upgrades in the new lobby outside the theater.

Our construction logistics strategy aimed to isolate construction activities from access to ongoing theater operations, which will continue during a portion of the project. An exterior scaffold and hoist in the rear alley, coupled with new penetrations into the theater attic and link building, facilitate uninterrupted work, ensuring safety and schedule certainty.