Private: Media

The Albright-Knox Gallery released a preliminary schematic design for a new work of signature architecture on the north side of its historic campus.  Designed by OMA/Shohei Shigematsu, the $155M project will add gallery space for displaying special exhibitions and the museum’s world-renowned collection. The plans also call for the development of a new green plaza, the creation of an education wing, and other site improvements throughout the campus.

Zubatkin has been working with the Albright-Knox on the development of the project implementation strategy and management of the design and approvals. Read more about the latest AK360 news on the museum’s website and in The Buffalo News.

Image: Northeast view from Elmwood Avenue

The New York City Public Design Commission and Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced the 11 projects selected as winners of their 2018 Awards for Excellence in Design. Named among the winners was the Studio Museum in Harlem designed by Adjaye Associates and Cooper Robertson. The 2018 awards recognized projects which responded to the de Blasio Administration’s commitment to providing an “equitable, resilient, and diverse city for all New Yorkers.” Congratulations to the Studio Museum in Harlem on this stellar award! See all of the projects on archdaily.com.

The recently completed Hayes Theater was recently featured in the Architectural Record. “Designed in 1912 to feel like a salon, with 299 seats and windows at the back, the Hayes Theater is, after enlargements, still the smallest Broadway house at about 600 seats.” Zubatkin was engaged by Second Stage Theater on the planning and implementation of the complete theater renovation. The scope included a complete interior renovation as well as the installation of new restrooms, an elevator, and insulated glazing, plus HVAC, electrical, fire-safety, and rigging systems. Additionally, the lower lobby and historic entrance were restored and updated to match the contemporary design. We are proud to have assisted in the transformation of this historic theater. Congratulations to the entire team!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered last night at the newly renovated Lyric Theatre on Broadway. In partnership with Ambassador Theatre Group, Zubatkin assisted in the planning and implementation of this historic renovation project. The New York Times writes, “Cursed Child, which has a deeply symbiotic cast of 40, shimmers with beguiling richness, but you’re never conscious of its seams or the effort that’s gone into the making of it. This effect is evident as soon as you step into the lobby of the Lyric Theater, which has been transformed from a too big, ungainly show barn into a cozy yet sumptuously appointed environment that seems to have been exactly as it is for many, many years.” We are proud to have played a part in completing this tremendous project. Congratulations to the entire team!

On April 13th, Susan Wallace spoke at the Rooftops Conference, an annual symposium focused on the role of real estate for the not-for-profit sector. In a breakout session entitled “A Matter of Trust,” Susan and a panel of esteemed colleagues talked about the roles of owner, architect, contractor, and attorney in the design and construction process. Thank you to New York Law School for hosting this informative and engaging event!

Susan Wallace, Principal, will be speaking at the Rooftops Conference on April 13^th, hosted by the New York Law School. The free symposium is focused on the role of real estate for the not-for-profit sector and its impact on the operations, financial performance, and achievement of mission. Susan will be part of a panel discussion from 10:50-12:15 pm, with Michael Phillipou, Bill Gilbane, Rob Rogers, and Ashley Hughes. Entitled “A Matter of Trust,” the breakout session will address some of the typical challenges faced during the construction process and how to build strong relationships that transcend contractual terms. We expect a great turnout and a lively conversation!

The newly restored Hayes Theater, which was purchased and rebuilt by the prestigious off-Broadway company Second Stage Theater (2ST), was featured on NY1’s On Stage as well as in Crain’s New York. The newly renovated theater on West 44th Street provides 2ST with a Broadway location that will enhance visibility for its playwrights and other artists. Zubatkin partnered with 2ST on the strategic planning and implementation of this great project. Get a glimpse inside the theater, hear from the cast of its first production, Lobby Hero, and listen to three of 2ST’s acclaimed playwrights on the importance of the company here.

The comprehensive redesign and renovation of the historic Lyric Theatre provides a fully realized, unique home for the highly anticipated production of Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Designed by Set Designers Christine Jones and Brett J. Banakis and overseen by Gary Beestone, Ambassador Theatre Group has unveiled captivating new photos of the space. We are thrilled to have partnered with Ambassador Theatre Group to help bring this spectacular project to fruition. Check out more photos on TheaterMania.com.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the New York Times featured an article on the geothermal heating and cooling system at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Hidden deep beneath the Cathedral’s spires are ten geothermal wells drilled into the bedrock at an average depth of 2,200 feet each, which serve to collect groundwater that helps efficiently heat and cool the church.  As stated in the article, St. Patrick’s standing well geothermal project is “not only the most sustainable, cost-effective, long-term energy option for the cathedral, but the option that best aligns with the greater good of New York, and not just today, but for generations to come.” Zubatkin is proud of our partnership with St. Patrick’s on delivering this great project. Read the full article on the New York Times.

This Sunday, Andy Bast, Senior Principal at Zubatkin, will be presenting at the Building Museums Symposium 2018 in Philadelphia, hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM). Our esteemed clients and fellow panelists—Sheila McDaniel, Deputy Director of Finance & Operations at The Studio Museum in Harlem, and John Hatfield, Executive Director of Socrates Sculpture Park—will join Andy onstage for a discussion of “Planning for the Hard Work: Operating Before, During and After You Build.”

If you are attending the symposium, please come by the breakout session on March 11th at 9:15 am for what is sure to be a lively and informative conversation about key strategies and lessons learned in developing capital building projects.

Central Park’s Belvedere Castle Restoration begins on February 26th. The Castle will reopen to the public in the Spring of 2019. For more than a century, the Belvedere has provided visitors with some of the best views of Central Park. Plans are in development for a comprehensive core and shell restoration of the Belvedere, including the expansion and modernization of mechanical systems and supporting utilities.  Zubatkin has partnered with the Central Park Conservancy on the strategic planning and implementation of this great project. We are looking forward to this exciting restoration!

On Monday, Second Stage Theater officially lit up its new home, The Hayes Theater, after an ambitious renovation project. 2ST, a nonprofit theater company, will be the only company on Broadway exclusively dedicated to producing the voices of living American playwrights.  Zubatkin partnered with 2ST on the strategic planning and implementation of this exciting project. Congratulations to the entire team on reaching this significant milestone! Catch 2ST’s first performance of Lobby Hero in the new Theater beginning March 1st and read more about the renovation from The New York Times.