Cherry Lane Theatre

New York, NY

Acquired by A24 in 2023, Cherry Lane Theatre is New York City’s oldest continuously operating off-Broadway theatre. Originally built in 1836, the building went through many uses, from brewery to tobacco warehouse to box factory. In 1924, Cherry Lane was born, and the building was transformed into a 200 seat theatre. After a comprehensive gut renovation, the theatre reopened in 2025 as A24’s first physical venue. The holistic design-build approach involved all three branches of Leroy Street Studio: architecture, interiors, and construction.

The renovation delicately balances the century old history of the venue, while modernizing technical systems for both backstage and front-of-house. In addition to the theatre, the entire circulation was reconfigured by connecting the two neighboring buildings. A new entrance and concession area was added, creating an interstitial space before shows. Further cementing it’s cultural belonging in the West Village neighborhood, the Wild Cherry restaurant was added to the back, a destination within itself.

Old architectural details such as exposed brick are restored and layered with sumptuous maroon and moss green velvet drapes. Deep wooden tones are used in custom seating and millwork, such as the curved restaurant bar. Warm lighting and antique gold accents heighten the intimacy of the spaces.