RBTL UNVEILS NEW CROSSOVER POINT BETWEEN WEST HERR AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Rochester, NY – The Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) today unveiled a new crossover point, which now connects the West Herr Auditorium Theatre and West Herr Performing Arts Center. The connecting ramp serves as a pathway from the newly installed elevator to the second-floor Theatre lobby. Crews had been working since the fall of 2023 to restore the elevator in the side lobby of the Performing Arts Center, which had been out of service for decades.
Other restoration and renovation work continues on the second floor with the construction of a new lobby addition/bar area and additional men’s and women’s restrooms. A new family restroom was also unveiled along with the new crossover point.
While both beautiful and historic, the complex as it sits, provides for many challenges. RBTL is partnering with Pike Construction Services LaBella Associates, and other community advisors to augment the existing Performing Arts Center spaces in the most optimal way. Restoration and renovation priorities will focus on enhancing the theatre-going experience for both patrons and performers.
The Auditorium complex, which is currently comprised of the West Herr Auditorium Theatre and West Herr Peforming Arts Center, was originally the Masonic Temple of Rochester, serving Masons across the Northeast. RBTL has owned the Auditorium Theatre portion since 2004 and purchased the remainder of the building in March of 2023. In addition to the main Theatre space, among other spaces, the complex also contains four former ceremonial meeting rooms. These rooms will be renovated and made available to community entities and will allow for the expansion of RBTL’s nationally-recognized and award-winning education programs.
Renovations will be funded in part by operating surplus, capital campaigns, sponsorships, state and local grants and foundations and other aid. With improvements and forward thinking, the complex, including its nearly 2,500 seat venue, will be viable for generations to come. RBTL’s goal is to complete renovations by 2030, the building’s 100th anniversary.
