The soon-to-be-dedicated James Earl Jones Theatre, formerly the Cort Theatre, was built in 1912 and is a landmark requiring improvements to perform to current patron and production standards. Through the ULURP process, the Shubert Organization was able to acquire additional property to house these upgrades. Kostow Greenwood Architects designed a new annex that creates a dialogue between the existing historic theatre and the contemporary addition. The annex becomes a new architectural gem while still highlighting the features of the existing theatre. The James Earl Jones Theatre Annex aims to revitalize the theatre experience through enhanced patron spaces and expanded back-of-house spaces.
The central design concept implemented moments of visual connection to the historic theatre. The feature stair creates a link among the three lounges where patrons can also get a glimpse of the facade of the historic theatre. The new lounges, bars, accessible restrooms will be a highlight for patron experience, while new backstage dressing rooms and rehearsal space will improve the theatre's production capabilities.