Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of a $24 million renovation project for the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Todd Haimes Theatre in New York City. The expansion is backed by a $1.9 million contribution from the New York State Council on the Arts and Empire State Development, aiming to enhance accessibility with improved seating, expanded lobby space, upgrades to the building’s façade, and new assisted listening technology.
“Theater is at the heart of what makes New York a global capital of culture — drawing millions of visitors, creating good-paying jobs, and fueling our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “The renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre ensures that this iconic venue remains a cornerstone of Broadway, while expanding accessibility and enhancing the experience for all. By investing in the arts, we’re investing in the future of New York’s cultural and economic vitality.”
The Roundabout Theatre Company was established in 1965 and has become one of New York’s prominent cultural organizations. It welcomes over 200,000 attendees each year and provides educational programs for students and teachers. The current project includes restoring historic interiors, updating electrical systems on the façade, modernizing elevators and restrooms for accessibility, installing an induction loop system for Deaf or Hard of Hearing patrons, replacing seats and carpets, as well as improving safety systems.
Empire State Development is funding improvements to the Penthouse Lobby to create more public gathering space and update essential infrastructure. This support aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions that drive tourism and contribute to local employment across 42nd Street.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This long-awaited renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre marks a milestone for New York’s iconic Theatre District—its first major upgrade in nearly three decades—and reaffirms our commitment to a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape. This investment honors a legacy of artistic excellence while enhancing the visitor experience for hundreds of thousands of theatergoers annually. Projects like this strengthen our creative economy, invite and welcome global audiences, and keep the heart of Times Square alive with world-class performances.”
New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez (Chancellor at City University of New York) and William D. Rahm (CEO at Everview Partners) added: “Investments in New York City’s cultural infrastructure — like the Todd Haimes Theatre renovation — are critical to our broader strategy for economic growth. This project will create jobs, attract tourism, and enhance the cultural assets that give our city a competitive edge. The theater is more than a performance space — it’s a driver of foot traffic, local spending, and civic pride. Supporting institutions like Roundabout strengthens New York’s cultural economy and fuels continued momentum in our post-pandemic recovery and growth.”
Erika Mallin, Executive Director at NYSCA stated: “NYSCA is proud to support the renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre, named for the visionary leader of the Roundabout and a dedicated advocate for live performance. This renovation and accessibility project will create an inclusive visitor experience and welcome a wider audience to Broadway. With accessible venues like these, our arts and culture can continue to be a powerful engine for our shared health and prosperity: creating jobs, driving tourism and attracting artists and creators from all across the globe right here to New York.”
Roundabout Theatre Interim Artistic Director Scott Ellis said: “I am so proud to honor Todd Haimes, Roundabout’s Artistic Director and CEO of 40 years and my dear friend. Todd’s vision transformed a dilapidated theatre into the Broadway gem that now bears his name. This revitalization will give artists and audiences a welcoming and fully accessible home on Broadway. We are deeply grateful to our partners in the City and State who recognize importance of theatre to New York City’s culture… With their renewed support…the Todd Haimes Theatre will continue its essential role as hub for artistically excellent theatre…in Times Square.”
State Senator Liz Kreuger noted her personal connection as both patronand subscriber: “As a lifelongtheatregoer anda Roundabout subscriberfor over30 years,I’ve seen first-hand howRoundabouthas revitalizedmanyofourcity’ s historic stages—including threeBroadwayhousesinourlegendaryTheatreDistrict.With enhancedaccessibilityand revampedmulti-purpose spaces,the renovatedToddHaimesTheatrewilladvanceTodd’ s legacyto betterserveover400 ,000theatregoers ,artists,andcommunitymembers everyyear .”
Assemblymember Tony Simone commented: “WhatathrillingdayforNewYork’ stheatrecommunityandforeveryonewhobelievesinthepoweroftheartstotransformlives.TheToddHaimesTheatrehashaslongbeenacornerstoneofBroadway,andthisrenovationwillensureitremainsawelcoming ,accessible ,andinspiringspace forgenerationstocome.I’mproudtohavehelpedsecurefundingforthisnextactandgratefultoallthepartnerswhomadetoday’ sgroundbreakingpossible .”
Council Member Erik Bottcher added: “TheToddHaimesTheatreisn’tjustaBroadwaybuilding—it’stheheartofRoundaboutandavibrantculturalhubforourcity.We’reproudtoberenovatingthis107-year-oldneo-Renaissancegem,honoringitshistoricbeautywhilemakingittrulyaccessibleforall.Thisincludesrestoringtheinterior ,modernizingelevatorsandrestrooms,andaddinganinductionloopandmorewheelchair-accessibleseating.Everytheatregoerdeservestofeelwelcome.Byinvestinginthislandmark,we’reinvestinginpeople.Thisprojectensuresartists ,students,and audiencesfromallfiveboroughswillhaveaworld-classhome forgenerations.It sendsaclearmessage :Broadwaybelongstoeveryone,andourcityiscommittedtokeepingitsstagesopenandaccessible .”
This renovation aligns with Governor Hochul’s larger strategy supporting arts as key parts of state economic recovery after COVID-19 restrictions led many venues to close temporarily or operate under capacity limits during previous years; initiatives such as tax credits have supported over 190 productions statewide resulting in significant job creation.
According to details released by state agencies involved in this project:
– The New York State Council on the Arts plans annual awards totaling $161.5 million statewide starting FY26.
– Empire State Development supports economic development through various programs including those focused on workforce training.
These combined investments are intended not only preserve but also grow New York’s reputation as an international destination for live theatre while ensuring inclusivity.
