03 / 06 · SHUBERT AND BOOTH
HENRY B. HERTS · 1913
Shubert and Booth
NYC INDIVIDUAL LANDMARK · NYC INTERIOR LANDMARK
History of the Building
Architectural Context
Designed by Henry Beaumont Herts and opened in 1913, the Shubert and Booth Theatres form a unified Italian Renaissance Revival exterior along Shubert Alley. The theatres adjoin at their stage houses, with distinct auditorium interiors. Lee Shubert developed the Booth in partnership with producer Winthrop Ames.
Significance
Both theatres were designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in November and December 1987 as individual exterior and interior landmarks. The Booth received its designations on November 4, 1987; the Shubert on December 15, 1987. The sgraffito decoration on the two facades is the last known surviving example of this technique in New York City.
Building Description
Two paired Italian Renaissance Revival theatre buildings in terra cotta, masonry, and ornamental cornice work, with sgraffito decorative panels and a unified architectural rhythm across both 44th and 45th Streets. Lobby and auditorium interiors at each building are separately designated as interior landmarks.
Landmark Designations
Shubert Theatre
NYC Individual Landmark
December 15, 1987
NYC Interior Landmark
December 15, 1987
Booth Theatre
NYC Individual Landmark
November 4, 1987
NYC Interior Landmark
November 4, 1987
Scope of Work
- 01
Exterior Examinations and Reports
Visual condition survey of the Italian Renaissance Revival facades on 44th and 45th Streets, including terra cotta units, ornamental cornice work, masonry, and the sgraffito facade panels, the last known surviving example of this decorative technique in New York City.
- 02
Construction Documents
Prepared coordinated drawings and specifications for restoration of the ornamental terra cotta, masonry, cornice work, and historic sgraffito facades, including repair details and requirements for Landmarks Preservation Commission review.
- 03
Bidding
Contractor qualifications review and bid leveling on the owner's behalf for trades with documented experience in ornamental terra cotta and sgraffito conservation.
- 04
Construction Administration
Owner-side construction administration through the restoration phase, including RFI response, shop drawing and submittal review, mockup observation for sgraffito and terra cotta units, and field coordination across the project team.
- 05
Closeout
Punchlist administration, warranty documentation, LPC sign-off coordination, and final payment review on the owner's behalf.
