Award of Merit - Rehabilitation

The Biltmore Theatre

It took a $35 million restoration to bring the Biltmore Theatre on 47th Street in New York City back to its former glory. Abandoned since the early 1980s, the property had fallen into neglect, damaged by fire, water, and exposure to the elements.

The building's landmark status required recreation of several original elements. Prior to demolition, the project team had to take samples of each detail and molding from the site and safeguard them for artisans to replicate.

Their efforts were not in vain, according to the jury. "A wonderful makeover that recaptures the glory days of the Biltmore in an interior that could not be repeated today," one judge said.

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But there were also efforts to help the facility handle modern productions. One major task was adding a cellar level below the existing structure to accommodate the orchestra pit, storage, wardrobe facilities, and back-of house-offices. That chore required the project team, led by Sweet Construction of New York, N.Y., the construction manager, to shore up the structure and excavate through bedrock about 17 ft. below the building.

The construction of a high-rise building on an adjacent site also created complications, because the debris from that project entered the Biltmore site, at times causing hazardous conditions. The Biltmore team's safety manager was on site daily, documenting concerns to the high-rise contractor.

Among the many improvements, the Biltmore project team installed a new rooftop air-conditioning and heating plant. The theater also now connects to 600-amp electric service along with new 3-in. steam service and a pressure-reducing station.

The newly reopened theater has "Reckless" opening this year, a play starring Mary Louise Parker and Rosie Perez.