Paramount Plaza Theatres New York, New York

Designed by & Sons and completed in 1970, the Paramount Plaza Building in houses two Theatres, for which Hoffmann Architects has provided a range of professional services.

Gershwin Theatre Roof Consultation At over 1,900 seats, the Gershwin boasts the highest seating capacity of any Broadway theater. Paramount Group, Inc. retained Hoffmann Architects to provide third-party consultation services for modifications to the theater’s roof assembly. Hoffmann Architects re- viewed design details for temporary roof exposure protection and dunnage at the site of a new cooling tower. Portions of the roof membrane were removed and temporary plywood coffers installed in preparation for equipment support installation and associated roof penetrations. Concerned about waterproofing of both the temporary coffers and the permanent dunnage, Paramount requested that Hoffmann Architects provide on-site field observation to evalu- ate the water-tightness of the assembly. Our architects provided illustrated field reports indicating areas of compliance with agreed-upon specifications, as well as points of concern and possible sources of leaks. Through a series of correspondence and site visits, Hoffmann Architects presented the owner with insight into potential issues, as well as solutions to waterproofing concerns.

Circle in the Square Theatre Water Infiltration Investigation and Remediation Nearly a “theater in the round,” Circle in the Square Theatre has seating on three sides, and the space also houses the Circle in the Square Theatre School, a training conserva- tory for professional actors. At the western side of the Paramount Plaza Building is a porte cochere, which forms the entrance to the parking garage and to the building’s two theaters. Located below grade, Circle in the Square is particularly susceptible to leaks originating at this porte cochere and at the parking garage. Hoffmann Architects observed evidence of active leaks in the stairwells and dressing rooms, along with numerous locations of efflorescence and corrosion, further signs of water intrusion. To confirm existing waterproofing detailing and uncover hidden deficiencies, Hoffmann Architects oversaw ex- ploratory openings in the vicinity of observed leaks. In a survey report, our design professionals cited open joints, brittle and deteriorated waterproofing membrane, poor perimeter detailing, and lack of membrane adhesion as sources of water infiltration. To restore waterproofing integrity, Hoffmann Architects provided material selection, bidding assistance, and construction administration services for repairs to the theater’s waterproofing systems. Negative-side waterproofing, including injection of epoxy resin at cracks, joints, and penetrations, served as a cost-effective solution to the water infiltration problem.

Hoffmann Architects Specialists in the Rehabilitation of Building Exteriors