# A24 renovates historic New York theatre with Leroy Street Studio 1830s-era industrial buildings transformed into a modern arts venue with speakeasy restaurant - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/66e7bc2e-aac8-4580-a3fb-7b8a7d9f17af ## 200-year-old industrial heritage Cherry Lane Theatre connects two brick buildings in NYC's West Village, originally built as grain silos in the 1830s. Converted into a theatre in 1924, the venue was purchased by A24 in 2023 after a 2000s renovation. Leroy Street Studio revealed the building's original character while synthesizing its layered history with contemporary needs, creating a dialogue between past and present. ## The story of red doors One standout detail was the meticulous color-matching and repainting of the theatre's iconic red doors using the original paint formula. LSS designer Leslie Bailey explained, 'We wanted to strip back and celebrate original features while being mindful about new additions.' Exposed brick walls complement lush moss-green banquettes in seating areas, blending historic texture with modern comfort. ## Dual-purpose stage The main stage transforms into a cinema with a giant projection rig descending from the ceiling. LSS senior director Alex Witko noted, 'Live performances and film screenings require completely different acoustic conditions.' Curtains cover walls for films but remain open for plays, with conversions possible within a day to accommodate frequent programming changes. ## Hidden speakeasy restaurant Wild Cherry, a new restaurant addition, is operated by the team behind popular Frenchette bistro. Concealed behind deep red curtains, its scalloped ceiling was specially designed for sound insulation. Created with restaurateur Zeb Stewart, the 'texture upon texture' concept features two additional ceiling layers above, completely separating the space from residential units upstairs. ## Blue-tiled lobby The street-level ticket booth flows into an ocean-blue tiled lobby. This compact space features exposed brick on one side, restrooms, and the discreet entrance to Wild Cherry. LSS used materials that honor the building's industrial past while creating fluid transitions between theatre and dining areas. ## Dialogue with history Witko recalled, 'When the black box theatre was here, they'd ask upstairs residents to be quiet during shows.' The new 'box within boxes' ceiling system solves this historic issue. Two additional ceiling layers above the restaurant create complete separation from residential units, showcasing how contemporary design can address longstanding spatial challenges. ## A24's physical space strategy Cherry Lane Theatre marks A24's first brick-and-mortar venue investment. As companies like Amazon invest in live performance spaces, A24 bridges content creation with physical experience. Since opening last year, the venue has gradually expanded programming with productions like 'Weer,' establishing itself as a cultural hub. ## Future of cultural heritage Leroy Street Studio's project sets a new standard for adapting historic structures to contemporary needs. Transforming industrial heritage into multifunctional cultural spaces is becoming an urban strategy, particularly in cities like New York. This pioneering work blends architectural preservation with brand experience, offering a model for cultural venue reinvention. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/08/28/a24-leroy-street-studio-cherry-lane-theatre-west-village/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._