Renovation of home to New York Philharmonic to create 3,000 construction jobs

The renovation of David Geffen Hall is expected to bring some 3,000 construction jobs to New York, 30% from Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises

The comprehensive renovation of David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, has been accelerated to re-open to the public in fall of 2022, nearly two years earlier than planned. The result is expected to bring some 3,000 construction jobs to New York, 30% from Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.

According to an announcement from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and New York Philharmonic, the fast-tracking of the project will boost New York City’s economic recovery by creating jobs and opportunities.

In the near-term, the renovation will provide immediate and significant economic support, generating more than $600 million in project-related economic activity into the fall of 2022.

This includes an estimated 6,000 jobs throughout the city and state of New York (including the 3,000 in construction). There will be a minimum 30% construction participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises, 40% workforce inclusion from underrepresented communities, and a workforce development program established with area officials and community members to create additional full-time job opportunities for local residents.

“The goal of accelerating this project is to invest in New York City at a time when we all have a part to play in its recovery,” said Katherine Farley, chair of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. “I want to pay tribute to the many people who have supported bringing this effort forward. In doing so, we are creating not just one of the world’s best cultural venues, but a space that welcomes our broader community.”

Peter W. May, board co-chairman of the New York Philharmonic, commented: “Supporting the arts takes on a new, deeper meaning at this moment in history. It has been a long road to securing an advanced, cutting-edge home for the New York Philharmonic; New York’s hometown orchestra deserves the best. With its new design incorporating true warmth and beauty, this Hall will serve generations to come.”

The design team consists of Diamond Schmitt Architects on the theater; Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects on all of the public spaces; acoustician Paul Scarbrough of Akustiks; and theater designer Joshua Dachs of Fisher Dachs Associates. Turner Construction Company is serving as construction manager, and the firms Kohler Ronan and Thornton Tomasetti are providing engineering services.

To date, $500 million, or over 90%, of the $550-million budget for the project has been raised, the vast majority from private sources. First Republic Bank is providing bridge financing support.

“The reimagined David Geffen Hall will be integral to welcoming audiences back to Lincoln Center,” said Henry Timms, president and CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. “We want to thank the design team, construction team, board members, supporters, and staff who have all come together to make this happen for New York City now. This has been a huge team effort. We believe wholeheartedly in this great city’s resiliency.”

Deborah Borda, Linda and Mitch Hart President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, said: “Our accelerated renovation plan for David Geffen Hall allows us to make the most of Covid-19 closures to complete the renovation process faster and more efficiently, without stops and starts. The Hall’s immediate and long-term benefits to the community, Lincoln Center, our orchestra, and the world of music are unparalleled. We look forward to returning to David Geffen Hall and welcoming everyone to our new, state-of-the-art home in Fall 2022 … a major signal that New York City is back.”

The New York Philharmonic will perform a 2021–22 season, with full details to be announced in June. To accommodate the continuous construction timeline, the orchestra will perform in several New York City locations, which will be announced with the full schedule in June.