Newark Symphony Hall has completed the first phase of its $75 million overhaul, including the modernization of its 15,000-square-foot Terrace Ballroom that was inspired by the 1920s jazz era and played host to the likes of Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Celia Cruz. — Courtesy: Clarke Caton Hintz
By Joshua Burd
Newark Symphony Hall has unveiled its overhaul of an iconic banquet space, as it marks the completion of the first phase of a sweeping $75 million renovation.
The historic venue, which will soon mark its centennial, has modernized its 15,000-square-foot Terrace Ballroom with new hardwood and bold geometric carpet flooring, color-changing LED lighting and a vibrant vinyl tiled and gold-accented bar, according to a news release. The space — which was inspired by the 1920s jazz era and has played host to the likes of Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Celia Cruz — will soon welcome community events in an area that features a sunken dance floor and an elevated stage with two terraces on each side.
NSH announced the milestone this month as it celebrated the appointment of Talia L. Young as its permanent CEO and secured another $4 million in state funding for the renovations.
“We are grateful to everyone who is supporting Newark Symphony Hall throughout this journey, including the state of New Jersey, Prudential Financial and the Mellon Foundation,” Young said. “Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our donors, Newark Symphony Hall is on its way to being restored to its former glory, and we are excited to continue welcoming the community here as we remain open during the renovations.”
The venue noted that, after being named interim CEO last November, Young developed and initiated a four-phase restoration plan. She has since positioned NSH as a community development corporation, a for-profit venue and a non-profit arts institution, while supporting the re-establishment of the Lincoln Park Alliance alongside city officials.
Of the Terrace Ballroom, NSH said its design team with Clarke Caton Hintz sought to emulate the facility’s rich history and unique architecture by preserving the details from the original space, including the staircase railings and column plaster moldings, which have been painted gold to accentuate its details, the news release said. It also has a color scheme that features a palette of ivory, gold, jade, teal and pink, reminiscent of the 1920s iconic hues.
In addition to the Terrace Ballroom, improvements that will take place this year include the rehabilitation of the fourth-floor Arts & Education Lab and the restoration of the venue’s theaters, both of which will be led by Clarke Caton Hintz, the news release said. Additionally, NSH will perform upgrades to the building’s roof, boiler, HVAC and plumbing systems.
The venue has secured $15 million in state funding for the project over the past three years. Renovations are set to be complete by 2025, coinciding with NSH’s 100th anniversary.
“For nearly a century, Newark Symphony Hall has been one of our city’s most glorious cultural institutions,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “The roster of performers who have graced its stage defines the range of music, from opera stars like Roberta Peters and Robert Merrill to singing titans like Judy Garland, Count Basie, Patti LaBelle, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. It is truly appropriate that we provide present and future generations of music stars and audiences with the finest theater in the nation. The restoration of Newark Symphony Hall will keep our city moving forward, and I congratulate Talia Young on her appointment as the hall’s CEO and commend the entire team on their efforts.”
Prudential, Mellon Foundation gift $2.75 million for Newark Symphony Hall transformation
