Hayes Theater | New York, NY

Hayes Theater New York, New York

Founded in 1912 by Winthrop Ames, American theater producer and director, and designed by Ingalls & Hoffman, the so-called “Little Theater” has a rich Broadway history. With just 300 seats, it was the smallest theater on Broadway — prompting the 1920’s Herbert J. Krapps remodel focused on increasing seats, improving acoustics, and generating more revenue. Following the expansion, the curtain continued to rise until The New York Times purchased the theater in 1931. Subsequently, the space changed hands several times and served a variety functions before returning to its Broadway roots in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, by that time, the then 600-seat theater had suffered some disrepair.

Having participated in an earlier equipment and facilities study of the landmark building, Kohler Ronan was pleased to be asked back in 2015 to design MEP/FP systems. The project scope included substantial upgrades to the infrastructure at the back-of-house as well as in public and support spaces throughout the theater. The program also called for additional restrooms, functional improvements to the backof house and public circulation areas, and aesthetic changes to front-of-house areas. The auditorium itself now features a pixilated wall mural and copper colored velvet seats. It is an ideal venue to mount works by living American playwrights. Renovation of a Landmark