Gilbane Building Company Finishes Restoration of Historic Kings Theatre

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Gilbane Building Company recently completed the restoration and renovation of Kings Theatre, a 1929 historical landmark theater in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. After remaining vacant and falling into disrepair for nearly 40 years, the theater required extensive restoration and renovation work to bring the former movie palace back to its original grandeur and return as the largest performance arts venue in Brooklyn and third largest in New York City.

Construction on the theater broke ground in January 2013. Work on the theater included a five-month “stabilization period” that was necessary to make the space a safe working environment by removing several years’ worth of accumulated water and mold, as well as repairing the roof to prevent further environmental damage.

Led by Martinez+Johnson Architecture, the revitalization of the theater included restoration or recreation of ornate plaster walls, gold-leaf ornament throughout, rich wood paneling, elaborate curved ceilings and the terra cotta façade. Original elements were restored where possible, and any elements damaged beyond repair were faithfully recreated. An additional 10,000 square feet were constructed to accommodate the requirements for live performance.

“Gilbane is honored to have been a part of the preservation and restoration of this historic landmark,” said Neil Heyman, vice president of Gilbane Building Company. “The collaboration between all parties involved—from owners, architect, preservation specialist and all the trades—made this a successful project, completing on schedule and on budget. We are proud to have played a role in bringing this beautiful theater back to the borough of Brooklyn and the city of New York.”

The $95-million restoration was funded by New York city, New York state, Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, the National Development Council and ACE Theatrical Group.

Photo courtesy of Gilbane Building Company.