Alvin Theater (Now Neil Simon Theater) – Exterior and Interior

STATUS Designated Exterior and Interior Landmark

244-254 West 52nd Street

ARCHITECT: Herbert J. Krapp

DATE: 1926-27

STYLE: Neo-Georgian, Adamesque

Adamesque Manhattan Neo-Georgian Theater

Designated 8/6/1985

The Alvin Theater survives today as one of the historic theaters that symbolize American theater for both New York and the nation. It was designed for Alex Aarons and Vinton Freedley, producers of same of Broadway’s most successful musical comedies. The facade designed for the Alvin by Herbert J. Krapp, the most prolific designer of Broadway theaters, is an exceptionally handsome neo-Georgian design.  This facade, based on elegant proportions and Adamesque detailing, distinguished the theater headquarters of Aarons and Freedley, and as such represents a special aspect of the nation’s theatrical history.

The Alvin Theater Interior was designed in Adamesque style. The elegant Adamesque detailing, distinguished the theater headquarters of Aarons and Freedley, a company that produced some of Broadway’s most successful musical comedies. It  represents a special aspect of the nation’s theatrical history.

STATUS Designated Exterior and Interior Landmark

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