news-ground-irish-repertory

Department of Design and Construction

Building for you


About DDCNewsContact

Press Releases
Awards
News Archive

Press Releases

Awards

News Archive


September 5, 2014

Ground Breaking: Irish Repertory Theatre

After providing cultural experiences to New Yorkers for more than 25 years, the Irish Repertory Theatre will finally get the new facility that it deserves. The announcement of this major was marked with a ground breaking ceremony held on the very stage where more than 150 productions of Irish and Irish-American plays have been staged. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora, along with Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, Council Member Corey Johnson, and other community representatives were led by members of the Irish Repertory Theatre into the theater, where the ceremony began to the sounds of a live bagpipe player.

Designed by Garrison Architects, the renovation will increase the seating from 137 to 150, add a 40-seat balcony, refurbish patron amenities such as restrooms, and ensure that the space will be accessible to all. In addition, a new second-floor rehearsal studio will be located on the street-facing side of the building, increasing the theater’s visibility and engagement with pedestrians. The facility is on track to achieve LEED Silver Certification.

“In partnership with our colleagues at the Department of Cultural Affairs, we are pleased to announce that a major renovation of the Irish Repertory Theatre will begin later this summer,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “The renovated theatre will be environmentally sustainable, with efficient building systems, and is expected to achieve a LEED Silver rating. We look forward to working with the Irish Rep, Garrison Architects, and our contractors to give this vital cultural institution an updated, modern home.”