Comprising the third and fourth floors of the Playwrights Horizons Theater School on 440 Lafayette Street, New York, the 440 Studios were demolished and remodeled in an eight months period. The studio is the biggest rehearsal complex in the Lower Manhattan area.
The $1.2 million project entailed major renovations to the third floor, which was supervised by New York City Department of Design and Construction. Refurbishments included enhancing the floor layout by widening hallways, replacing flooring and walls, soundproofing, expanding storage space, lighting upgrades, installation of a HVAC system, electrical work and the development of a lobby and box office.
The third floor consists of two performance spaces, including the new White Box, a performance and rehearsal space with seating for 40. The third floor has three additional spaces with semi-sprung hardwood floors.
The completely remodeled Linhart Theater seats 68 and features a new booth, retractable seating, storage spaces and grid.
The fourth floor, which did not undergo any remodeling, includes eight studios.
New York City Department of Design and Construction, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council, New York State Council on the Arts, Office of the Mayor, City of New York, and Office of the Manhattan Borough President, all contributed funds for toward the remodeling.
The theater school provides various theatrical education and training and programs.
Founded by Robert Moss in 1971, Playwrights Horizons is a writer’s theater that is devoted to the support and development of American playwrights, lyricists and composers.
