Signature Theatre, Site Selection and Tenant Fit-Out of New Theater
New York, New York

GOAL
To develop a multi venue theater for an important not-for-profit with limited financial means.

CHALLENGE
To obtain affordable space for the theater.

OUTCOME
In a public private partnership signature obtained a free core and shell for a 70,000 sq ft facility from The Related Companies 42nd Street project. In exchange Related received a Density bonus.


Jonathan Rose Companies began working with Signature Theatre in 2004 when it was selected by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) to be located at the site of the former World Trade Center as part of its new Performing Arts Complex. When start of construction on the new complex was delayed, Signature Theatre began looking for other possible locations. Five years later, the organization solidified plans to move to the base of a new 58-story, 1.2 million square foot hotel and residential tower being developed by Related Companies on West 42nd Street and Tenth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan’s theatre district.

Jonathan Rose Companies introduced Signature to Related and worked with Signature Theatre to arrive at purchase and sales agreement terms for their new space. Our firm is now providing full project management services, coordinating the work of the design team, consisting of Frank Gehry & Partners in association with H3 Architects, and overseeing construction. Founded in 1991, Signature Theatre specializes in performances devoted to single writers including Edward Albee, Tony Kushner, John Guare, Paula Vogel and August Wilson. The 70,000 square feet of contiguous space in the new location will allow Signature to expand from its current one 160-seat auditorium, to a three venue complex with over 750 total seats. Signature’s new performing arts complex will also include two rehearsal studios, a café, and a bookstore where artists can come to engage formally and informally with each other and their audiences.

The new space is being designed to LEED Gold standards.

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Firm Role
Civic Development – Design and Construction Management Services


Project Profile
Site selection, due diligence and tenant fit-out for new performing arts center


Project Team
Architect: Frank Gehry & Partners in association with H3 Architects

Theatre Consultant: Auerbach Pollock Friedlander

MEP Engineer: ICOR

Construction: Structure Tone



Total Project Size / Budget
70,000 square feet / $60 million


Completion
2012