Nitehawk Prospect Park

Brooklyn, NY

New York City’s theaters are constantly being reimagined, to adapt to new technologies and changing behavior patterns. They also require regular and consistent maintenance. Movie theaters are no different.

Purchased by NItehawk Cinemas, the former movie house at 188 Prospect Park West recently underwent a $15-million rehabilitation, which included extensive exterior envelope and roof repairs and a partial roof replacement, as well as repairs at the marquee roof, coping repairs, new flashing at all penetrations, and additional related roofing and waterproofing. AYON Studio was brought in to ensure the historic 1928 building would now be watertight, while restoring its most significant original details – inside and out.

Now a service-focused cinema with six projection rooms of varying size and configuration, Nitehawk Prospect Park offers the neighborhood a range of viewing options, from blockbuster releases to arthouse classics and new documentaries.

Located within the boundaries of the Park Slope Historic District Extension since 2012, the project fell under the designation of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). AYON Studio leveraged its vast experience with LPC to guide the rehabilitation design smoothly through the process.

After the original conversion, AYON Studio assisted Nitehawk with further improvements, including additional exterior repairs, roof and sidewalk replacements, and rooftop photovoltaics. The solar panel installation, which will help offset the electrical energy use – particularly in the screening rooms and commercial kitchen where the lights are always on – received unanimous LPC and Brooklyn Community Board 6 approval in May 2022.

Client
Nitehawk Cinemas               

Services
Conditions Assessment, Construction Documents, Bidding and Negotiation, LPC and DOB filing, and Construction Administration

Project Team
Phase 1:
Interior Architect: Think! Architecture and Design PLLC
Structural Engineer: Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP
M/E/P Engineer: 2L Consulting Engineering
General Contractor: Reidy Contracting Group                   

Size
33,120 SF

Completion
Phase 1: 2017 – 2018
Phase 2: 2021 – Present