Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of construction on a $24 million expansion and renovation project at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Todd Haimes Theatre in New York City. The project includes a $1.9 million investment from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Empire State Development (ESD), aimed at improving accessibility, expanding lobby space, upgrading the façade, and installing 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 founded in 1965 and is recognized as one of New York’s leading cultural organizations. It hosts over 200,000 attendees each year and offers educational programming to students and educators. The current renovation will restore historic features inside the theatre, update electrical systems on its exterior, modernize elevators and restrooms for better accessibility, add an induction loop system for patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, replace seating and carpeting, and improve safety systems.
Empire State Development is providing support specifically for upgrades to the Penthouse Lobby to create new public gathering spaces and enhance infrastructure. ESD President Hope Knight commented on how this marks “the first major upgrade in nearly three decades” for this venue within Times Square’s Theatre District.
“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,” Knight said.
Leaders from other organizations involved also highlighted how investments like these contribute to job creation, tourism growth, local spending boosts, civic pride enhancement, diversity initiatives in hiring practices across creative industries statewide—including more than 25,000 jobs created through tax credits supporting musical productions—and improved access to live theatre experiences for low- or moderate-income residents by making over 300,000 tickets available.
New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez (Chancellor at CUNY) and William D. Rahm (CEO at Everview Partners) stated: “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 from NYSCA emphasized: “NYSCA is proud to support the renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre… 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… right here to New York.”
Scott Ellis from Roundabout noted: “I am so proud to honor Todd Haimes… This revitalization will give artists and audiences a welcoming… home on Broadway.”
Elected officials including State Senator Liz Kreuger (“With enhanced accessibility…the renovated Todd Haimes Theatre will advance Todd’s legacy”) Assemblymember Tony Simone (“What a thrilling day…this renovation will ensure it remains welcoming”), as well as Council Member Erik Bottcher (“By investing in this landmark…our city is committed to keeping its stages open”) voiced their support.
These efforts reflect ongoing strategies under Governor Hochul’s administration designed not only to preserve but also expand access within key sectors such as arts/culture—a sector that has received significant state funding commitments both through direct grants via NYSCA ($161.5 million allocated statewide) [https://arts.ny.gov/] as well as business development programs administered by ESD [https://esd.ny.gov/].
The state continues working with regional partners across all ten regions through agencies such as ESD—which promotes business growth opportunities statewide—and NYSCA—which supports over 3,000 organizations/artists annually—to sustain robust creative economies throughout New York.
