The Kaufman Center

Jonathan Rose Companies was selected as real estate advisor and project manager for the Kaufman Center renovation just as the Architect Robert A.M. Stern (RAMSA) completed work on a conceptual design for the building. After helping the Kaufman Center finalize an agreement with RAMSA and select a construction manager for the project, Jonathan Rose Companies managed the design and construction process for renovation including project budgets and all job cost accounting. 

The concert hall re-opened in January 2008 to wide acclaim and a feature article in The New York Times noted that the project was “on time and on budget.” The Kaufman Center is comprised of Merkin Concert Hall, the Lucy Moses School (a community arts school) and the Special Music School (P.S. 859), a New York City public school for musically gifted children. 

Several years ago the Kaufman Center had recognized the need to update Merkin Concert Hall, including its audience spaces, the appearance of the building from the street, and a number of areas on the interior of the building. This led to the engagement of RAMSA and the visionary solution to the exterior renovation of the 1960's concrete and metal façade. The original building's concrete panels separated the second floor lobby from exterior views and light. The new façade uses channel glass, a product first used in Europe, to provide a translucent connection between the lobby and the street. These improvements provide audiences at the Kaufman Center with some of the most gracious spaces to be experienced in any New York City performance venue.

With new mechanical equipment, lighting and rest-room fixtures the renovations will improve the energy efficiency of the facility. Materials were carefully selected based onthe Owner's goal to be as green as their budget and the scope of work allowed.