Hochul announces start of construction on $34.6M expansion of Shea's Buffalo Theatre

Additional $5 million in state funding announced to support project

√ Historic capital project reflects $18.5 million state investment in arts & culture; new addition will enhance accessibility modernize Buffalo venue – view renderings here

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on a $34.6 million expansion of the historic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre – plus an additional commitment of $5 million in capital funding from New York state. Driven by an $18.5 million state investment, the four-story, 25,600-square-foot addition will revitalize the theater experience by introducing a new box office, expanded lobby and event space, concessions at each level, additional bathrooms and critical accessibility upgrades, including three new elevators.

“Shea’s is the cornerstone of downtown Buffalo, and the theater district, and is one of New York state’s leading arts institutions,” Hochul said. “By investing in this iconic venue, we’re investing in the future of Buffalo’s cultural and economic vitality by supporting hundreds of jobs, area shops and restaurants. I have a lifelong love of Shea’s and look forward to the improvements, which will ensure it remains a welcoming, accessible and inspiring space for generations to come.”

Shea's Performing Arts Center President and CEO Brian Higgins said, “Shea's is one of Buffalo's great civic treasures, and there is no greater champion for Buffalo than our governor, Kathy Hochul. For a century, Shea's has been a place that brings people together, inspires creativity, and serves as an economic engine for downtown buffalo. The governor's investment is what makes this transformational project possible, supporting local jobs, and ensuring this historic theater can evolve while preserving its legacy well into the future. Thanks to Gov. Hochul's leadership and support, Shea's will be more vibrant, welcoming and accessible for generations to come.”

As Shea’s celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is looking to the future by constructing this new addition along the existing historic building’s south side on Pearl Street. The tiered building, designed by Carmina Wood Design, is made of a variety of materials including limestone, stainless steel and glass. The interior design includes crystal-inspired chandeliers, terrazzo flooring, flexible lounge seating, and a new bar. The design makes the theater more accessible and enjoyable for patrons by providing a drop-off loop, heated pedestrian paths, new bathrooms to minimize lines, a new outdoor patio, and expanded space for use before shows and after shows and during special events.

The state’s commitment builds on campuswide improvements to Shea’s Performing Arts Center, including a $5 million transformation at Shea’s 710 Theatre, completed in September 2025, and a $4.6 million commitment from the City of Buffalo to replace roof systems on the century-old Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, protecting the historic architecture and interiors.

Shows at Shea’s will continue throughout the construction process, with the expansion project expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

New York state’s $18.5 million commitment is fueled by several state agencies, including $7.5 million from the New York Power Authority – the single largest award approved under its Power Proceeds program. Additional funding came from a $5 million capital grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a $5 million capital grant through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), and a $1 million grant from Empire State Development’s Regional Council Capital Fund. These strategic investments underscore New York’s dedication to cultural landmarks that serve as economic engines – driving tourism, creating local jobs, and anchoring the ongoing revitalization of downtown theater districts.

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone not only for the Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, but for the broader Western New York community. Supported by $7.5 million in NYPA funding, this transformational expansion will ensure that the theater can better serve audiences with improved accessibility, added capacity, and modernized public spaces. As construction begins, NYPA is proud to see this investment move from concept to reality – strengthening a treasured cultural institution, supporting local downtown revitalization, and advancing the economic momentum that benefits the entire region.”

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “A landmark institution of Western New York, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre has enriched our state in ways that go far beyond their world-renowned productions: attracting visitors, energizing local businesses, and making New York the ideal place to live. For 100 years, Shea’s has proven that the arts and a robust community go hand in hand, and NYSCA is proud to invest in this expansion. Congratulations to the entire Shea’s Performing Arts team. We all look forward to what you will accomplish in this vibrant next chapter.”

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Gov. Hochul’s continued commitment to the arts and cultural institutions across New York state is helping ensure that iconic venues like Shea’s Buffalo Theatre remain vibrant community anchors and powerful drivers of regional economic activity. Through this $5 million capital grant administered by DASNY, we are proud to support the modernization and expansion of one of Western New York’s most treasured cultural landmarks.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Shea’s is one of many architectural gems that are bringing visitors to Buffalo. I applaud Gov. Hochul for investing in this legacy of artistic excellence while enhancing the visitor experience for hundreds of thousands of theatregoers annually. Projects like this strengthen our creative economy by attracting theater-lovers to our city, spending money not only on shows, but also dining, lodging and after-show activities. I applaud everyone who is working on this project, creating a jewel to be treasured for generations to come.”

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Eric Reich and Steve Stoute said, “By investing in this landmark, we’re investing in people. The addition to Shea’s will create an inclusive and much-improved visitor experience and welcome a wider audience to Buffalo’s theater district. This project ensures artists, students and audiences from near and far will have a world-class home for generations.”

WATCH:

The Shea’s Theatre expansion reflects Hochul’s broader commitment to supporting New York’s world-renowned arts and culture sector as critical pillars of the state's economy and cultural identity. Under her leadership, New York has invested in strategic initiatives to support the industry’s post-pandemic recovery, including the Empire State Music and Theatrical Production Tax Credit, a program designed to support, encourage and promote the production of musical and theatrical performances outside of New York City. Eligible production companies can receive a 25% tax credit on qualified production expenditures. This program helps to bring the economic benefits of large-scale, professional, live-stage productions to regions across the state beyond the Broadway-centric Manhattan market. Thanks to the governor’s support for the Upstate Theatrical Production Tax Credit, Shea’s will tech two national Broadway tours next season. This “tech” process integrates all production elements to realize the director’s vision before the shows hit the road.

Modeled after European opera houses and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Shea's Performing Arts Center opened in 1926 and is one of the only remaining Tiffany-designed theaters in the country. Originally an elaborate movie house, Shea’s later became a place for live vaudeville shows – and virtually every great name in American show business has performed on its stage.

Today, Shea’s Performing Arts Center operates as a three-theater campus welcoming over 350,000 patrons annually and presents the widest variety of performing arts in the region, including touring Broadway musicals, concert artists, family shows, comedy, education programming, local school presentations, historic tours, special events and a free family film series.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes said, “One cannot discuss landmarks in the City of Buffalo without mentioning Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. This funding shows a commitment to arts and culture in our city and state. I do want to highlight the accessibility portion of this funding: Everyone, from all walks of life, should have the opportunity and ability to visit this incredible theater. I applaud Gov. Hochul’s continued commitment to our city, and Shea’s CEO Brian Higgins for being bold and recognizing that this cultural pillar has the ability to level up.”

New York State Sen. April A.M. Baskin said, “As a ‘theater kid’ who fell in love with the local arts scene while attending Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, I know firsthand the value of Shea's Buffalo Theatre. Shea’s is a vital piece of the cultural life of our city. I thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for recognizing the importance of investing in arts and culture across New York. For the past century, Shea’s has been a place where stories have been told and generations of Western New Yorkers have gathered to make lasting memories. It has also been a powerful economic driver for Buffalo, supporting local jobs and strengthening nearby businesses. Shea’s is one of many historic gems that make Buffalo special, and investments like this will ensure this iconic theater remains a vibrant, inclusive and inspiring destination – bringing visitors to Buffalo for the next 100 years.”

Assembly member Jon D. Rivera said, “Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is not only one of Western New York’s most treasured cultural landmarks, it is a powerful driver of economic activity, tourism and community pride. As Shea’s marks its 100th anniversary, this $34.6 million expansion represents a bold investment in the next century of arts and entertainment in Buffalo. Thanks to New York state’s $18.5 million commitment, this project will modernize the theater experience while preserving the historic character that generations of audiences have come to love. By continuing to invest in cultural institutions like Shea’s, we are strengthening downtown Buffalo, supporting local jobs, and ensuring that our theater district continues to thrive for residents and visitors alike.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, “Shea’s is the beating heart of Buffalo’s theater district. Rebuilding downtown starts with strengthening Main Street and the theater district – it’s the core that brings people, energy and investment to our city center. This expansion at Shea’s will help drive that momentum. As Shea’s celebrates its 100th anniversary, these improvements ensure this historic venue can continue welcoming visitors for generations to come while supporting local jobs, businesses, and Buffalo’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The beating heart of Buffalo’s theater district will get even louder with this news, as Shea’s celebrates its 100th anniversary with exciting new growth. The experience of enjoying a show at Shea’s is known and loved by not only Buffalonians and county residents, but by visitors to our region, as well. I thank Gov. Hochul for this generous support for one of our city’s most beloved showplaces.”