Roundabout Theatre Company Breaks Ground on Major Renovation of Todd Haimes Theatre

Roundabout Theatre Company has officially broken ground on a sweeping renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre—formerly the American Airlines Theatre—marking the venue’s first major overhaul in nearly three decades. The upgrade is a continuation of the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project and underscores the company's longstanding commitment to revitalizing New York City’s historic Theater District.

The initiative, announced by Interim Artistic Director Scott Ellis and Co-CEO/Chief Advancement Officer Christopher Nave, aims to enhance both artist and audience experiences through expanded accessible seating, updated assisted listening technology, and a fully modernized infrastructure. Plans include restoring the theatre’s historic interior, renovating restrooms and dressing rooms, upgrading elevators, and improving building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety for increased efficiency and sustainability.

In a significant addition, the theatre’s 5th floor will be reimagined as a flexible-use space to host educational and community programming. This will include rehearsals, workshops, readings, and Roundabout’s signature initiatives like Hidden Career Path Days and Community Nights.

The $13.9 million renovation is being supported by a partnership between city and state agencies. The City of New York has committed $10.9 million through the Department of Cultural Affairs, the City Council, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office. An additional $3 million has been allocated by New York State through Empire State Development, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and the offices of State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Tony Simone.

“I am so proud to honor Todd Haimes—my dear friend and Roundabout’s Artistic Director and CEO for 40 years,” said Ellis. “Todd’s vision transformed a neglected space into a Broadway gem. This revitalization furthers that legacy, creating a home that welcomes all artists and audiences. We are deeply grateful to our City and State partners for recognizing the essential role theater plays in shaping the cultural fabric of New York.”

Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development, called the renovation “a milestone for New York’s iconic Theatre District,” noting its potential to strengthen the creative economy and elevate the visitor experience.

Erika Mallin, Executive Director of NYSCA, praised Haimes as “a true visionary,” adding, “Spaces like these are indispensable to the city. They boost tourism, invigorate the economy, and give artists a place to create and dream.”

Cultural leaders and elected officials echoed similar sentiments. Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, emphasized the project’s impact on accessibility and community engagement. “Roundabout Theatre is a cornerstone of our cultural life,” she said. “This investment ensures its legacy continues for generations.”

State Senator Liz Krueger, a longtime Roundabout subscriber, noted, “With enhanced accessibility and flexible spaces, this renovation will better serve over 400,000 theatregoers, artists, and community members each year.”

Assemblymember Tony Simone added, “New York must invest in safe, inclusive spaces for culture. This renovation makes that commitment real.”

City Councilmember Erik Bottcher framed the project as a vital investment in people. “This renovation sends a clear message: Broadway belongs to everyone. Every theatregoer deserves to feel welcome.”

The Todd Haimes Theatre, originally the Selwyn Theatre, was built in 1918 and restored by Roundabout as part of the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project. Under Haimes’s leadership, the theatre underwent a $26 million transformation from 1997 to 2000, reopening as the American Airlines Theatre. It was officially renamed in Haimes’s honor following his passing in 2023.

The renovation not only honors his legacy but repositions the theatre for a sustainable future, aligned with Roundabout’s nonprofit mission to produce classic and contemporary plays, develop new voices, and provide transformative educational programs.

Founded in 1965, Roundabout Theatre Company currently presents work on five stages: Broadway’s Todd Haimes Theatre, Studio 54, and Stephen Sondheim Theatre, as well as Off-Broadway’s Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, which houses the Laura Pels and Black Box Theatres.

The company’s 2025–2026 season includes Archduke by Rajiv Joseph, Chinese Republicans by Alex Lin, The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien, Fallen Angels by Noël Coward, and Oedipus created and directed by Robert Icke.

For more information and to follow the theatre’s progress, visit www.roundabouttheatre.org or follow Roundabout Theatre Company on X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.