Work is progressing at 215 West 42nd Street, where the historic Times Square Theater is in the process of a retail conversion and expansion. Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle and developed by NYC Economic Development Corporation and Stillman Development International, the $100 million project calls for extensive interior renovations and a vertical extension that will double the structure’s height, bringing it to 138 feet tall and six stories above ground, as well as the addition of a cellar level. The property is located in the heart of Times Square between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, and will yield 52,521 square feet with 34,313 square feet designated for commercial space.
Beyer Blinder Belle’s plan will create four new floors atop the old theater that will collectively accommodate new retail space with the restoration of the theater itself. The third and fourth floor will be double-height spaces that showcase the proscenium arch, plaster dome, and decorative sgraffito frieze. A rooftop space also appears to be part of the plan.
Renderings released last year by Stillman Development International
Renderings released last year by Stillman Development International
Renderings released last year by Stillman Development International
Recent photos show the state of the structure, whose main southern elevation currently stands behind sidewalk scaffolding. Above is a colonnade of six corinthian columns, which have been fitted with steel joints in preparation for the construction of the framework for the protruding glass addition. This space is depicted in the interior rendering above. The rendering also shows the lower half of the wall behind the colonnade removed, connecting the expansion with the redeveloped theater space.
215 West 42nd street. Photo by Michael Young
215 West 42nd street. Photo by Michael Young
215 West 42nd street. Photo by Michael Young
215 West 42nd street. Photo by Michael Young
215 West 42nd street. Photo by Michael Young
The sites location in Times Square makes it highly accessible, with the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, and S trains all nearby at the 42nd Street-Times Square and 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal stations.
A finalized completion date has yet to be announced. Beyer Blinder Belle previously called for a 2020 deadline, but sometime in late 2021 or early 2022 is probable at this point.
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This plan looks a little bit wacky, at least externally. I think it kind of ruins the original theatre building sadly. Then again, we are in Times Square.
I think I just heard a building cry out in pain;
what a nightmare. a total disaster, in concept and execution; BBB might want to use a pseudonym on this one.
and… this didn’t raise concern at landmarks?
really?
Retail in the time of Amazon. More empty stores for no reason at all. Lol talk about the wrong strategy.
Kinda miss that row of Times Square ‘Adult’ movie theaters…something more honest about it.
Love to see new life breathed into a beautiful old space that has sat empty for too long. Funny how others prefer to see the old space remain empty and left to deteriorate.
Theaters in the ‘Theater District’ should remain theaters;
that these unique structures should maintain their purpose built function is an indisputable fact.
This project is scandalously ill-advised.
Most people who go to Times Square are tourists. They are more likely to buy due to the nature of their being on vacation. This might work if the right product is offered.
We shall see.
Another plastic look Yes RP you’re right retail store on amazon time. All those theaters could be renovated to the splendor of time square bright lights
A cheap glossy retail mall in the heart of what were magnificent and restorable historic theatres. Short sighted, misguided and depressing.