DESIGN
From 1953 to 1968, Webster Hall would also
operate as a recording venue owned by RCA
Records, owing to the exceptional acoustical
integrity of the Grand Ballroom. A who’s who
of Latin, folk, jazz, pop and Broadway performers
– including Tito Puente, Bob Dylan, Louis
Armstrong and Liza Minelli – recorded defining
albums in what was then regarded one of the
East Coast’s premier studios.
On May 1, 1980, Webster Hall was
reintroduced to the public as The Ritz, a
showcase for emerging rock talent that played
a part in the careers of Tina Turner, Kiss,
Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses and U2, to name
a few. This incarnation, however, would be
short-lived. In 1992, the name Webster Hall was
returned to a restored nightclub complete with
then state-of-the-art audio, video and lighting
technology, as well as its recreated original color
scheme. With up to three musical genres playing
across five rooms on any weekend night, and
a capacity ranging from 100 to 2,000, Webster
Hall soon became that sought-after New York
rarity and staple of coming-of-age celebrations:
a nightclub open to 19-year-olds.
Back to life
By July 2017, the property had again come under
new ownership, one eager to provide music fans
with a 21st century concert experience befitting
the hall’s iconic status. The clients, BSE Global
and The Bowery Presents, AEG Presents’ regional
partner, engaged Martinez + Johnson Architecture
(which recently merged with OTJ Architects) to
lead a meticulous program of improvements that
would see the venue closed for several years but
ultimately ensure its continued relevance.
From the onset of the renovation, the mandate
was unambiguous: preserve the authenticity
and character that have earned Webster Hall
a hallowed place in New York nightlife and in
the hearts of partygoers worldwide. The project
team, under the leadership of OTJ Architects,
was tasked to increase second floor occupancy,
improve accessibility, upgrade systems and
enrich both the performer and patron experience
through subtle but impactful solutions that
respect the venue’s often idiosyncratic original
design. Key contributors to the success of
this targeted intervention include owner
representative Machete Group, interior designer
Farnum and Lee, structural/mechanical,
electrical and plumbing engineer Arup, Code
Consultants and construction manager Shawmut
Design and Construction.
82 AUDITORIA 2019 VOLUME ONE
Joseph Reed/Shawmut Design & Construction
Above: Webster
Hall’s ballroom
Top right: The
newly revamped
Ritz Lounge
Center: The studio’s
flag wall