The Renovations

The Cabot’s Viewing Platform and Orchestra Seats, installed in 2016. Photo © Lauren Poussard

The work to renovate and revitalize The Cabot is being done in several phases over several years. The theater will be fully restored inside and out, and all systems are being upgraded and modernized and we’d like to finish before 2020, The Cabot’s 100th Birthday year!

Renovation Phases ($6,800,000 total budget)

Phase One – ($700,000) Completed January 2016

◆ Secure fire escapes to meet all building codes and ensure safety
◆ Installation of digital cinema projection system
◆ Installation of state-of-the-art theater sound system
◆ Renovation of the marquee
◆ Installation of 350 new seats on the first floor and viewing platform on Orchestra level

Streetside at The Cabot: $260,000 Completed December 2017

Streetside Photo: © Eric Antoniou

We created a funky, comfortable and modern venue at The Cabot that can be a gathering place for sponsors, community events and a space to bring new and diverse programming to the North Shore.

HVAC replacement: $2,140,000 Completed January 2018

Inside The Cabot’s attic. Photo © Bob Stoneham

◆ Upgrade The Cabot infrastructure including a new energy-efficient HVAC system
◆ Reinforcement of the roof
◆ Addition of a state-of-the-art sprinkler system

See more attic work photos here

Help Us Finish The Renovations Before our 100th Birthday in 2020:

The Balcony, Balcony Lobby, Sound and Lights: January 2019: $800,000. Raised as of December 6, 2018: $745,000

1920 Balcony Seats Photo: © Rocco Coviello

◆ Replace all 484 balcony seats with new and wider, more comfortable seats
◆ Open the Opera Box seats
◆ Upgrade the sound system with state of the art MEYER LINA speakers to be hung from the ceiling in order to improve the sound on both the floor and the balcony
◆ Install and relocate a new stage lighting system to better serve performers and audience members

Facade and Roof Work: $750,000
◆ Restore and enhance the façade of the building including new windows, glass canopies and banners
◆ Roof replacement.

The Lobby: $750,000
◆ Return the lobby to its original grandeur!
◆ Expose and restore the original rose window
◆ Restore the beautiful vaulted ceilings and the opulent neo-classical chandelier lighting the entrance.

ADA compliance: $600,000
◆ Improve access to backstage and upper floor areas
◆ Install an elevator to the second floor lobby
◆ Modify doorways and hallways
◆ Create access to the stage that is ADA-compliant.

Artist and Patron Amenities $700,000
◆ Modernize the artist and patron experience including the renovation and addition of restrooms
◆ Upgrade the artist Green Rooms
◆ Add surround sound in the theater

TOTAL Cost of Restoration and Modernization = $6,800,000