The Apollo Theater is undergoing the first full-scale renovation its 91-year history at 253 West 125th Street in Harlem, Manhattan. Supported by $23 million in New Markets Tax Credits allocated by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and its subsidiary, NYC Neighborhood Capital Corporation (NYCNCC), the project will update the venue’s infrastructure, expand its community programming, and provide new amenities to the public.
The financing deal was recently celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by elected officials, community leaders, and performers.
Rendering of Apollo Theater renovation, via edc.nyc
Planned upgrades include a new café, bar, and retail space; a redesigned and expanded lobby; modernization of restrooms; upgraded stages and production technology; HVAC and elevator improvements; and exterior repairs to the façade and iconic marquee. Renovations will also include more publicly accessible space to support the Apollo’s expanded educational and artistic programming.
In total, the project is expected to support 196 private sector jobs and 184 full-time construction jobs. Additional funding includes $20.7 million from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and a $10 million grant from Empire State Development. JPMorgan Chase served as the tax credit equity investor for the transaction.
Photograph of Apollo Theater, courtesy of Laylah Amatullah Barrayn
The venue closed down for the renovations in June, with work expected to conclude sometime in the second half of 2026.
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Great news. So many new projects on 125th Street.
I hope they replace the seating. My legs go numb squeezing into those narrow seats with less leg room than the cheapest airline.
Bring back two shows I miss terribly battle of the groups and salsa please bring back salsa to the Apollo stage and the old slow music sung by blue magic delfonics intruders!!!!!
Bring back the Lenox Lounge
Oh yes please
It needs work but I hope they keep the historic feel. We miss them already.
The Lenox lounge should have been landmarked
Amazing history of the worlds greatest jazz and blues artist, plus an amazing interior. All gone for a Wells Fargo bank, really!’
It’s amazing it should be renovated and taken very good care of. It’s a landmark. I’ve been going there since I was a child WBLS Percy, Sutton, Johnson, and wrangle. Also, my uncle David Denkins supported the Apollo for years, and I am so honored to have experienced it great place great location. We made a powerful a lot of powerful votes in this area Harlem USA full of the arts dancing painting fashion amazing I love Harlem, USA
Come through Apollo. Icon. Protect her!
What a great and wonderful plan for the renovation. If those walls can talk, they would say, it’s been over ninety years, and we are certainly due for a makeover and face-lift. It’s a beautiful Historical cite that needs to be kept up. We want the visitors and artists to always get warm feeling when they enter the Venue. Bright eyes and mesmerized. Seats should be comfortable with leg room in the balcony.
What a great and wonderful plan to renovate. I”m Glad that investors want to keep this beautiful Historical Venue attractive. If those walls can talk. Imagine the past Artist smiling and saying. What a great idea and how they would love a face lift and renovation. Its been over 95 years
It would continue to take your breath away when you enter the building. It would be lovely and more comfortable to have more leg room in the balcony.
Percy Sutton was not the first black owner of the Apollo Theater he was the second please do your homework before you post please or read Showtime At the Apollo Theater by Ted Fox please