Plans are currently moving forward for a massive $100 million renovation of Studio 54. Led by the Roundabout Theatre Company—which has owned the property since 2003—the sweeping project aims to bring the 99-year-old building into the modern era.
The city recently took the first steps to approve the zoning and air rights needed to fund the project, bringing this highly anticipated revamp closer to reality.
A legendary (and long-overdue) transformation
If walls could talk, Studio 54’s would have the best stories in New York. Built in 1927 as an opera house, the venue at 254 West 54th Street evolved into a CBS TV studio in the 1950s.
But it truly cemented its legendary status in 1977 when Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell transformed it into the iconic Studio 54 nightclub.
It was the ultimate playground for A-listers like Andy Warhol, Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, and Michael Jackson.
In 1998, legitimate theater returned to the space with the hit revival of Cabaret. But despite its rich history, the building has never received a comprehensive renovation in its nearly 100-year lifetime.
What to expect from the new space
Currently, the theater faces some major structural hurdles. Because the orchestra seating and the stage are on the exact same level, temporary stages have to be built for every single production.
The lobby is cramped, the balcony seats are notoriously steep, and it severely lacks ADA accessibility.
The massive redesign—spearheaded by acclaimed firms David Rockwell and Ennead—will fix all of this. Here is what is on the agenda:
- A brand-new sloped orchestra: The current orchestra seating will be completely demolished and rebuilt with a proper slope to fix audience sightlines.
- More seats: The new layout will add 53 new seats and 10 ADA-accessible seats, bringing the total to 556 seats.
- A permanent stage and pit: Say goodbye to temporary platforms. The theater will finally get a permanent stage and a restored orchestra pit.
- An expanded front-of-house: Expect a larger lobby, a relocated bar and retail area, and highly upgraded bathrooms to cut down on overcrowding.
- Total accessibility: A brand-new elevator will be installed to serve all floors, making the entire venue more accessible for guests with impaired mobility.
Funding the future
Because a project of this scale requires serious cash, Roundabout Theatre Company has been hard at work raising funds through their Next Stage Campaign.
According to The New York Times, they have already raised $45 million and are seeking an additional $30 million from the city, alongside state funding.
To cover the rest, Roundabout is currently seeking a special zoning text amendment from the city.
This would allow them to transfer their “bonus development rights” to other sites in the Theater District, effectively generating the final funds needed for this historic rehabilitation.
