The Palace Theatre

Designed by Milwaukee architects Kirchhoff & Rose, and built by the vaudeville mogul Martin Beck in 1913, the much-celebrated Palace Theatre was designated an interior NYC landmark in 1987.

In its lifetime, the Palace Theatre has been transformed from vaudeville playhouse to movie house to performing arts theater, hosting major Broadway stars such as Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, and Meryl Streep. Following a major restoration led by PBDW, the theater is poised to begin the next chapter in its storied life.

In 2013, PBDW was engaged to design TSX Broadway: a redevelopment project featuring entertainment and hospitality programing, including the visionary raising of the Palace Theater 30 feet above grade to allow for retail use below. PBDW supported the client’s vision through numerous project presentations to community constituents and authorities having jurisdiction, obtaining preliminary zoning, LPC, DOB and other regulatory approvals through late 2016. PBDW subsequently focused exclusively on restoring the landmark theater, as preservation architect.

PBDW’s scope as preservation and executive architect covered the theater restoration as well as substantial infrastructural upgrades. We developed an elegant new finishes palette and sensitively designed new light fixtures inspired by the no longer extant original fixtures, including a new chandelier over the orchestra. Select salvaged elements were repurposed as wayfinding signage. PBDW collaborated with consultants on a campaign of finishes investigation and analysis, investigative probes, non-destructive evaluations, and on monitoring vibration and environmental conditions throughout the construction process. Interior restoration included historic flat and decorative cast plaster, marble, cast-iron guardrails, decorative grilles, and wood trims and moldings. Exterior restoration included terracotta, flat terracotta arches, and repairs to brick and granite elements.

The TSX Broadway development provides the theater with a new lobby on 47th Street, code compliant and accessible front and back of house amenities, a new double height gridiron, new orchestra pit and stage lifts, new trap room and follow spot booth, and new theatrical equipment, enhancing the theater’s operations.

As a result of this transformation, the Palace Theater has been elevated—physically, functionally, and experientially,—its intended level of grandeur restored, and its spectacular, unique interior and rich history returned to the spotlight.

AIA AWARDS: AIA New York Chapter, 2025 Citation for Innovation in Preservation and Lucy G. Moses Preservation Project Award 2025