The Former High School for the Performing Arts, a landmarked building built in 1893, received national recognition through the popular movie “Fame.” JLGA led the complex renovation of the Romanesque Revival-style school designed by C.B.J. Snyder, which included the complete rehabilitation of the building’s interiors to create new classrooms, a library, a multi-purpose gym and a 250-seat theater. JLGA also restored the landmarked façade, reconstructed the fire-damaged roof, and constructed a new elevator/stair core to meet current safety codes. After the renovation, the school was renamed the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

The challenge posed by introducing a modern state-of-the-art theater into a 100-year-old building resulted in a unique space, which will enhance the building’s long relationship with the performing arts.

The theater was created within the existing building by reconstructing the lower floors of the western wing. The ground floor was completely removed and replaced by a raked floor configuration stepped to the stage. The four columns within the space were removed and replaced with several major steel girders, which transfer the load from the floor above to new columns at the perimeter walls. The curved seating arrangement orients the viewer towards the proscenium area, providing excellent sightlines.

 The JKO school’s new theater is an exciting space for both the students and the public and a welcome addition to the family of theaters in the Times Square Area.

The historic restoration of the Former High School for the Performing Arts received an Award of Excellence from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and a Historic Educational Building Award from the Preservation League of New York State.