 Old theaters being designated as historical landmarks may be common, but rarely does the renovation of a theater get so honored. The Beacon Theatre Restoration Project—the 2009 extensive renovation of the famed Beacon Theatre in New York that restored the jazz-age luster of the venue’s inception—has become one of the few theater restoration projects to receive a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, to be officially given out in April.
The award is one of the most prestigious honors given by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, which was founded in 1973 and advocates for the preservation for the architectural heritage of the city of New York. The conservancy is one of leading preservationist organizations in the world. Named after a renowned New York philanthropist and known as the “Lucies.” the Lucy G. Moses Award  recognizes efforts and achievements of architectural preservation by individuals and organizations. The Beacon Theatre is one of only a handful of theaters or entertainment venues to receive a “Lucy” since the Conservancy instituted the award 20 years ago.
 “We are honored to receive the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award in recognition for a project that MSG undertook with a great sense of responsibility and importance to the vitality of New York City,” said Jay Marciano, President, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, which manages the Beacon.
The Beacon Theatre, a 2,800-seat venue located at Broadway and 74th street in Manhattan, was the brainchild of the famed theater impresario Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel. In 1927 noted Architect Walter Ahlschlager was commissioned to design the theater, named the “Roxy’s Midway”, for live vaudeville and silent film presentations—and he employed a ecletic mix of styles, including Greek, Roman, Renaissance and Roccoco that epitomized a brash American attitude and the era’s taste for grandiose opulence. With its excellent acoustic, site-lines and intimate feel, the Beacon became a famed stage for Rock & Roll, beloved by fans and artists alike. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Conservancy designated it an historical building in 1979.
MSG Entertainment acquired the venue in 2006. By then the once lavish interiors had deteriorated—original decorative finishes were obscured by layers of paint and surfaces were covered with dirt and a thick film from decades of smoke. The richly detailed finishes in antique gold and rich earth tones were obscured, and water damage, plaster deterioration and missing plaster ornamentation were  apparent throughout the building. But any repairs had to take into account the role this esteemed hall has played in the history of popular music for Manhattan audiences. “Madison Square Garden embarked on The Beacon restoration with tremendous respect for the deep connection the venue has had with so many performers and patrons over its history,” said Marciano.
Creative Finishes, Ltd., one of America's premier specialty finish designers, completed the restoration of the historic finishes at The Beacon including refurbishing murals, ornamental plasters, and all surface paints. ME Engineers, a full service building engineering and design firm with global experience, worked as the project MEP engineer. The company is currently working on the renovation of Madison Square Garden.
 For Marciano, the hard work now recognized by the city’s highest honor in preservation validates the vision of MSG to combine the best of the past with the best of the present. “We are extremely proud that the restored Beacon now includes state-of-the-art technology, acoustics and first-class ambiance, while remaining true to the unique original vision of Roxy Rothafel.”
MSG Entertainment, a leader in managing and creating concerts and events  at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, the legendary Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre in Boston. MSG Entertainment completed a restoration of Radio City Music Hall, a project that was awarded a of Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award in 1999.
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