Newark Symphony Hall Hits Big Mile Marker In $75M Restoration

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey’s largest Black-led arts and entertainment venue has hit a big mile marker for its ongoing $75 million renovation.

Newark Symphony Hall recently announced that it has completed the first phase of its four-part $75 million capital improvement program. The renovations are expected to be finished by 2025, coinciding with the venue’s 100th anniversary.

Here’s what is happening, according to Newark Symphony Hall:

“Phase one of Newark Symphony Hall’s restoration plan included an overhaul of its Terrace Ballroom, the design of which was inspired by the 1920s jazz era. Once filled with the voices of legendary global stars like Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Celia Cruz, Terrace Ballroom, one of Newark’s largest banquet spaces, can now host many of the venue’s community-first events again. The 15,000-square-foot room features a sunken dance floor and an elevated stage with two terraces on each side, all of which have been modernized with new hardwood and bold geometric carpet flooring, color-changing LED lighting and a vibrant vinyl tiled and gold-accented bar … 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. Additionally, NSH will perform upgrades to the building’s roof, boiler, HVAC and plumbing systems.”

According to spokespeople, Clarke Caton Hintz, the project’s lead design and architect team, sought to emulate the venue’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 color scheme features a palette of ivory, gold, jade, teal and pink – reminiscent of the 1920’s iconic hues.

The multi-year project is being spearheaded by Talia Young, the venue’s newly appointed CEO, who helped to secure an additional $4 million for Newark Symphony Hall in the 2024 state budget. With that boost, the total funding from New Jersey comes to $15 million over the past three years.

“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,” Young said.

The project has also seen support from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

“For nearly a century, Newark Symphony Hall has been one of our city’s most glorious cultural institutions,” 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,” he continued. “It is truly appropriate that we provide present and future generations of music stars and audiences with the finest theater in the nation.”

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