Revitalized Broadway experience coming to Times Square as Roundabout embarks on historic Todd Haimes Theatre renovation
In the heart of Times Square, a major transformation is underway—one that’s set to redefine the Broadway experience for New Yorkers and global visitors alike.
Roundabout Theatre Company has officially broken ground on a $24 million renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre, marking the most comprehensive update to the beloved venue in nearly three decades.
This landmark project isn’t just a facelift—it’s a cultural statement. Designed to honor the legacy of late Artistic Director Todd Haimes and advance Roundabout’s mission of inclusivity and artistic excellence, this renovation sets a new standard for accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement in the theater world.
Honoring a Visionary: Todd Haimes’ Legacy Comes to Life
Todd Haimes wasn’t just a leader—he was a visionary. When he stepped in to restore the then-dilapidated Selwyn Theatre in the late 1990s, his goal was clear: preserve Broadway history while shaping a more comfortable and inclusive future.
“Todd’s vision transformed a dilapidated theatre into the Broadway gem that now bears his name,”
Scott Ellis
Interim Artistic Director
“This revitalization will give artists and audiences a welcoming and fully accessible home on Broadway.”
Originally reopened as the American Airlines Theatre in 2000, the venue was officially renamed the Todd Haimes Theatre in 2024, following his unexpected passing in 2023. Haimes’ dedication helped bring Roundabout Theatre Company into the Broadway mainstream, turning it into one of the nation’s leading nonprofit theatre institutions.
The Todd Haimes Theatre renovation Broadway initiative is the ultimate tribute to his life’s work—preserving his spirit while ushering in modern innovation.
A Multimillion-Dollar Commitment to Access, Equity, and Experience
The $24 million project represents a massive investment in New York’s cultural infrastructure—and it’s not just about aesthetics. Funded in part by $13.9 million in public money from the City and State, the renovation will:
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Expand wheelchair-accessible seating
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Install cutting-edge Bluetooth assisted listening devices
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Renovate elevators, restrooms, and dressing rooms
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Restore the historic neo-Renaissance interior
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Upgrade HVAC, fire safety, plumbing, and electrical systems
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Transform the 5th Floor into a flexible space for education and community programs
“The theater is more than a performance space—it’s a driver of foot traffic, local spending, and civic pride,”
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and William D. Rahm
NYCREDC Co-Chairs
For theatergoers from Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Brooklyn’s creative corridors, or tourists walking 42nd Street for the first time, the changes promise a vastly enhanced experience.
Why This Matters for Broadway—and for New York
The Todd Haimes Theatre renovation Broadway project is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a reaffirmation of Broadway’s role in New York City’s post-pandemic recovery and cultural vitality.
“There is no New York City without Broadway!”
Mark Levine
Manhattan Borough President
“This renovation will support the economic and cultural vitality of 42nd Street.”
Beyond tourism and ticket sales, the venue also serves as an incubator for education and civic engagement through Hidden Career Path Days, Community Nights, and workshops that reach across all five boroughs. These programs help democratize access to the arts—something Todd Haimes championed relentlessly.
As NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo noted: “We’re thrilled to break ground on this renovation project for the historic Todd Haimes Theatre… ensuring that Roundabout Theatre’s legacy of supporting artists and creatives will continue for generations to come.”
Roundabout’s Broadway Future: A Season of Bold Stories
While the construction crews begin their work, Roundabout Theatre Company is preparing for a blockbuster 2025–2026 season that exemplifies the bold, inclusive spirit of this renovation. Highlights include:
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Archduke by Rajiv Joseph
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Chinese Republicans by Alex Lin
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The Rocky Horror Show directed by Sam Pinkleton
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Fallen Angels by Noël Coward
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Oedipus directed by Robert Icke
These productions will continue across Roundabout’s other venues, including Studio 54, the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, and the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.
With each revival, premiere, or adaptation, Roundabout continues its mission: producing powerful stories, supporting new voices, and educating the next generation of theatre lovers.
A Cultural Milestone Worth Celebrating
The Todd Haimes Theatre renovation Broadway project is not just a moment of nostalgia—it’s a strategic investment in New York’s creative economy and community resilience. It symbolizes the kind of forward-thinking cultural stewardship that cities around the world would do well to emulate.
From the expanding seat sizes Haimes once insisted on, to cutting-edge accessibility upgrades for today’s patrons, every detail honors his belief that theater should be for everyone. As Roundabout reimagines what it means to welcome people into a Broadway house, it sends a clear message:
Broadway is not just alive—it’s evolving.
