Architect: Kostow Greenwood Architects LLP, New York City
Acoustics, sound and video systems: Shen Milsom & Wilke, New York City
Size: 32,500 square feet; theater is 1,500 seats
Completion: Fall 2008

This 1930 ziggurat moderne classic was ready for a renovation. Performers here include the Salvation Army’s famous brass band, as well as rock, rap and choral groups. Presentations these days are recorded, edited, and distributed on the Internet or cable television. Cameras, recording equipment, speakers, a control room, and other technology were needed.

Following a thorough assessment of the space, Shen Milsom & Wilke worked closely with Kostow Greenwood to incorporate new technology into the beautifully restored space without “gunking it up” or ruining the historic plaster with a lot of cables, wires, and boxes.

A concert-quality sound reinforcement system carries sound equally to all of the theater’s 1,500 seats. Portions of the sound system can be removed so traveling shows can supplement with their own equipment. A mixing console improves sound. A control room, complete with multitrack video and audio recording, and simultaneous translation in up to six languages, is located outside the theater.

Upstage, a 30-foot screen allows the audience a larger-than-life look at performers. Four high-definition video capture cameras are discretely located in the house while a video projector is suspended from the balcony.

Throughout, walls, floors and ceilings are acoustically treated. The lobby area has acoustical plaster to help keep sound from intruding into the space. Acoustically decoupled walls and floor surfaces help isolate the space from the Salvation Army residences, located above the stage area, and from other spaces surrounding the theater.

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