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Back in 2018, the Palace Theatre at 1564 Broadway by 47th Street was shut down for a pretty massive renovation and restoration project that included plans to raise the landmarked venue about 30 feet in the air.
And now, just in time for Broadway darling Ben Platt's upcoming three-week residency on site, the theatre, originally focused on vaudeville acts, is ready for its closeup and a much anticipated grand reopening.
It's important to note that, given the 14-million-pounds institution's landmark status, the $80 million restructuring project had to be completed without damaging—or, really, changing—the space's arches, box seats and ceiling. Officials were able to build out a new orchestra pit and stage lifts, though, in addition to installing new finishes palettes and light fixtures inspired by the original Beaux-Arts style of the destination, according to an official press release.
The theater also boasts a brand-new lobby, backstage area, stunning marquee and a fresh entrance on 47th Street.
The decision to move the entryway off Times Square echoes similar moves by other major Broadway buildings, likely directly linked to the constant pedestrian traffic that defines the neighborhood.
Fun fact: the Palace Theatre's auditorium was actually originally built inside a box, a fact that allowed construction crews to quite literally lift it and add square footage dedicated to more bathrooms, a new lobby, ground-floor retail space and more at the site.
"Teams from 10-12 construction and engineering firms emptied the building’s cellar and sub-cellar and installed an elaborate hydraulic jacking system and a large concrete ring beam around the theater," reads the press release. "This created a pocket for the elevation to take place. Once the theater reached 16 feet, the lift paused so the new floors could be built."
Who knew Broadway was also where feats of architectural marvel could still shock us?