The Gatehouse
New York, New York

Seat Count: 200
Project Type: Renovation / Repurpose
Opening: 2006
Client: Harlem Stage / Aaron Davis Hall
Construction Budget: $21 million
Architect: Ohlhausen DuBois Architects
Theatre Consultant: Todd Berling
AD Scope: Acoustics

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The Gatehouse, originally a water pumping station for the Croton Aqueduct, has been transformed into a state-of-the art performance venue. In addition to the 200-seat theater, the interior accommodates two new floors, housing a theater with platform seating and performance stages with maximum flexibility of use.

The newly-renovated hall is the first new performance space built in Harlem in more than 20 years.  For 25 years, Harlem Stage/Aaron Davis Hall, Inc. has showcased work by leading dance groups, theater companies and musicians, and nurtured work by emerging and established artists of color. 

Acoustic flexibility has been achieved through the introduction of moveable wall treatments designed to seamlessly integrate with the colored brick interior.

The 1890 stone building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, created several acoustic challenges.  Roof exhaust fans had to be mounted indoors, with custom enclosures in the ceiling of the performance space, due to lack of vertical risers and restricts on roof mounted equipment.  Large sound-proof doors to control street traffic noise were mounted adjacent to historic cast-iron doors without compromising the historic fabric of the building.

Ronald Eligator, AD Principal in charge, notes, “We are thrilled that AD has been part of the expansion of one of New York 's leading performing arts centers, and the adaptive renovation of this historic structure."