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The Beacon Restored, Unveiled

Jen Carlson

Published Feb 12, 2009

Modified Feb 12, 2009

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Jen Carlson

Published Feb 12, 2009

Modified Feb 12, 2009

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Designated a landmark in 1979, the 2,800-seat Beacon Theatre has undergone a $16 million restoration, and earlier today the final look of their 7-month-long project was unveiled. Thanks to the work of thousands, the venue "is back to its original 1929 grandeur, fulfilling the commitment the company made to New York when it acquired the theatre in November, 2006." A full list of restorations can be found after the jump, and the NY Times has a cute story about an old gold-painted coffee tin discovered during the facelift and found to be the fixture supporting "the principal ornament at the tip of the 900-pound chandelier in the rotunda" (pictured here).

The folks at the Beacon gave us a little history lesson, noting the venue was originally "the brainchild of famed theater impresario Samuel 'Roxy' Rothafel. In 1927 noted Architect Walter Ahlschlager was commissioned to design the theater, named the 'Roxy’s Midway', for live vaudeville and silent film presentations. Shortly after the theater was completed, it was taken over by Warner Brothers and remodeled to accommodate talking pictures which became the rage in 1929. It was at this time that the theater was renamed the Warner Brothers Beacon Theatre." Of course, these days it's best known for the music, playing host to the likes of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen during the upcoming calendar year.

Richly detailed Rotunda Lobby, including restoration of the “scagliola” faux marble wainscot and recreation of the long-lost mural over the entrance doors
Historic finishes in the lobbies at each theater level
Original historic seats and custom patterned carpet based on the original designs
Polychromatic, Moorish-inspired “tent-like” main theater ceiling
All murals throughout theatre to original design
Sunburst proscenium valence that runs along perimeter of auditorium ceiling, including renovation of the original back-lit lighting effects
One-of-a-kind sculptures of animals; masks; urns; statues of Greek martial women, and instruments of war that decorate the sides of the proscenium arch
Original ornate lighting fixtures and chandeliers
Richly ornate cornices, ceiling molding and paneling, and marble baseboards
Decorative elements including pilasters, scrolled brackets and medallions
Walls and ceilings to their original glazed finish
Original, thirty-foot high Venetian-inspired chandelier and re-activating the original integral lighting effects
Replacing entire stage flooring
Acoustic improvements including upgraded sound system and installation of additional speakers
Upgraded concession stands and renovated public restrooms
Renovation of all backstage dressing rooms and creation of a first-ever Star Dressing room and Green room

Tagged

Beacon

Beacon Theatre

landmark

restoration

venue

Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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