Visitors to West Herr Auditorium will have improved accessibility and safety in the balcony with the installation of new handrails, the Rochester Broadway Theater League announced on Sept. 22.
The custom iron rails, crafted by Alpha Iron Works of Henrietta, are placed at every other row on the entire balcony level. It’s the latest step in RBTL’s Project Restouration, which is in its $6.2 million second phase. All told, more than $25 million has been committed to the restoration and renovation of the West Herr Performing Arts Center as part of the project.
“Trying to restore an almost 100-year-old building has its challenges, but also, (its) opportunities. In this case, the opportunity was to both be inventive, and at the same time, make it easier
for people to be safe,” said RBTL CEO and board chair, Arnie Rothschild, in a statement. “Due to fire safety laws, we could not put a railing in the middle of the aisle, so these individual handrails are the result.”
Begun in 2023, Project Restouration has included refurbishment of two elevators, expanded lounge and concessions and additional restrooms.
“Providing this much needed work to our balcony seating to the benefit of our guests is one of the most important improvements we have made,” said RBTL COO Linda Glosser. “We’re very happy to be able to continue our work toward creating improved accessible spaces through the restoration of our venue.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: West Herr PAC adds balcony handrails to improve accessibility
