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Landmarks panel approves renovations to Imperial Theatre interior while urging retention of historic fixtures
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for the Imperial Theatre interior to remove sound‑lock walls, reconfigure doors, add seating and replace a tech booth and lighting. Testimony supported restoration of original sconces where feasible.
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on Dec. 17 approved an application to alter the designated interior of the Imperial Theatre, finding the proposed changes would support the theater’s continued operation while retaining or restoring key historic features.
Valerie Campbell, land‑use counsel to the Schubert Organization, described a package of work to remove house‑left and house‑right sound and light lock walls to improve circulation, to install doors and SCC‑rated doors to the street, to add seating and ADA positions, to rebuild the tech booth in a more symmetrical and integrated form, and to revise lighting that had been installed later. Campbell said the Shuberts will pursue a theater floor‑area bonus under zoning (sections 81‑7‑43 and 81‑7‑45) and that major restoration work would be reviewed at staff level.
Architect Michael Costow showed elevations and before‑and‑after drawings demonstrating how door openings, soffits and ornament would be retained or reconstructed, and noted that some fixtures are not original and will be replaced or replicated. In public testimony Christina Conroy of the Victorian Society in New York said the proposed work is generally appropriate but urged the commission to require restoration (rather than replacement) of apparently original wall sconces if feasible, naming restoration firms as possible specialists.
Vice Chair Bland moved approval, noting that the removal of the inner sound and light lock walls will improve circulation while retaining soffits and historic plasterwork, and that a new, symmetrical tech booth would better integrate with the auditorium. The commission approved the motion by roll call (recorded as nine in favor, none opposed).
What’s next: staff will oversee the detailed restoration work and issue required certificates of appropriateness for the elements of the project identified for staff‑level review.
