Shea's 710 reveals major upgrade

By Dave Lukow

Changes are coming to Buffalo’s theater district.

On Thursday, Shea’s Performing Arts Center revealed a project – priced at $5 million – to upgrade Shea’s 710 Theatre. Focused on public spaces at the venue, the modifications are part of an effort to enhance patron experience and pump energy into the entire district.

Main themes of the improvements are to make the facility more accessible, take visitors to a new level, and increase attention for Shea’s 710 Theatre.

“We’re trying to create a more vibrant space,” Shea’s President and CEO Brian Higgins said. “The major feature is the lounge and cabaret,” which will be two stories and open to a seasonal patio on Main Street.

With a bar and stage, the space will also have seating for up to 100. Inspiration for the design, including glazing within the iconic arches, comes from the facility’s mid-century architecture.

“It creates a more inviting interior design,” Higgins said. “We’ll also have a multipurpose room.”

That room enables Shea’s – for the first time in its existence – to have an accessible arts education space. The area will also be available for event rentals, receptions – both before and after shows – community gatherings, and overflow seating for the cabaret.

“It doesn’t take a lot to see where the changes are needed,” Higgins said. “Our objective is to make their (the patrons) experience better.”

Avoiding congestion during intermissions is important to Higgins and the Shea’s team. Part of the answer is coming via fully accessible restrooms, the first in the building’s public-facing areas.

“We want to have people around in an enjoyable, safe way,” Higgins said.

Bringing people to downtown areas, due partially to remote working, is a contemporary challenge.

“Most downtown areas suffer from a loss of pedestrian density,” Higgins said. “You respond to that by having more events. There are about 100 restaurants, taverns and shops in and around the theater district.”

The proposed Shea’s 710 cabaret and lobby spaces. (Renderings by Carmina Wood Design // courtesy of Shea’s Performing Arts Center)

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Others involved in the process echoed Higgins optimism.

“Today, we kick off an exciting new chapter in the life of Shea’s 710 Theatre,” said Jonathan Dandes, chairman of Shea’s board of trustees. “One that expands our offerings as an entertainment hub, enhances the visitor experience, and continues to make Shea’s a destination that brings people together for generations to come.”

According to a deal announced in November, Shea’s 710 is the new home of MusicalFare Theater. With the agreement, active days at 710 will increase by 50%.

“MusicalFare is thrilled with the proposed expansion and renovation of the Shea’s 710 lounge and cabaret,” Artistic/Executive Director Randall Kramer said. “With our after-show performances and cabarets, we look forward to making it a theater district destination.”

“They will bring 100 new performances to the space,” Higgins said of MusicalFare. “This goes to the issue of pedestrian density.”

Design, planning and architecture for the alterations are being handled by Carmina Wood Design, a Buffalo-based firm versed in redeveloping historic structures.

“Carmina Wood Design is humbled to be entrusted with the renovation of this iconic landmark, and we are thrilled to contribute to the ambitious plans Shea’s Buffalo has for the theater district,” President and CEO Steve Carmina said.

Work on the project at Shea’s 710 is slated to be done by the end of the year.

An announcement regarding the upcoming season at Shea’s will be made March 18.