The National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) is pleased to announce the successful financial closing for the $64.4 million renovation of the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. A cornerstone of African American cultural history and a world-renowned performing arts venue, the Apollo will undergo an extensive interior and exterior restoration that honors its legacy while upgrading its facilities to better serve artists, audiences, and the surrounding community.
“On behalf of The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors and leadership, I express deep gratitude to Historic Theater lenders and capital campaign contributors for their generosity in support of The Apollo and the community of Harlem,” said Michelle Ebanks, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. “The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in The Apollo’s journey—a curtain drop in every sense of the word – taking us from a place of reverence to a place of relevance. As we prepare to renovate and reimagine this legacy space, we do so not to erase its history, but to elevate it. To honor the shoulders we stand on, while building a more modernized foundation for those who will come after us.”
Originally opened in 1914 as Hurtig & Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater and renamed the Apollo in 1934, the venue became a vital cultural hub amid Harlem’s evolution and a defining force in American music. The Apollo launched the careers of legendary artists such as Sarah Vaughan, James Brown, and the Jackson 5 through its famous Amateur Night, and played a central role in the rise of genres including R&B, bebop, and soul.
Even as the theater faced economic decline and closure in the 1970s, it was repeatedly revived through community and state partnerships. In recognition of its extraordinary
cultural significance, the Kennedy Center honored the Apollo in 2024 for its lifetime contribution to American arts.
“The Apollo Theater is more than a stage—it’s a cultural icon that has shaped American history. Through the Historic Tax Credit program, we are honored to help preserve this legacy for future generations,” said David Clower, President of the National Trust Community Investment Corporation. “Supporting the Apollo Theater restoration reflects NTCIC’s commitment to revitalizing spaces that hold deep cultural and community significance. This project is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can protect our nation’s historic fabric.”
The restoration will preserve and enhance the historic theater’s architectural and performance integrity, including the conversion of the iconic Apollo neon blade sign to energy-efficient LED, and interior improvements that will modernize the theatrical, environmental, and acoustical systems, install new seating and accessibility upgrades, renovate dressing rooms, and expand the lobby.
With the renovation, the Apollo will be able to support over 150 performances annually, expanding access to world-class cultural programming. Over 1,300 students will visit annually for educational tours, and the theater’s Job Readiness Pathway to the Arts program will grow from 50 to 75 high school participants each year. The Apollo will also continue its Ticket Access Program, distributing 10,000 free tickets annually through more than 300 NYC organizations serving underrepresented communities, and maintain its Half Off Harlem initiative for local residents. In alignment with environmental stewardship goals, the project will also pursue LEED Silver certification.
NTCIC supported this transformative project through equity investments in the $14.8 million state and federal Historic Tax Credits generated by the renovation, as well as an $8 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation (NMTC).
Additional project financing was provided by J.P. Morgan through a combination of $25 million in bridge debt financing, a $4.9 million NMTC allocation, and acted as the NMTC investor for the project. Octagon Finance supported project financing through a $9 million Historic Tax Credit bridge loan, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) provided $23 in NMTC allocation.
Additional funding includes $20.7 million in grant commitments from organizations such as the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, a $10 million grant from Empire State Development, and a $5 million grant from SiriusXM.
“The Apollo Theater is a beacon of cultural innovation and community enrichment,” said Olivia Pipitone, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking. “At J.P. Morgan, we are immensely proud to support its historic renovation, ensuring it continues to inspire and launch legendary talent for generations to come.”
This project reaffirms the Apollo’s role as a cultural anchor in Harlem and a national symbol of artistic excellence and resilience, preserving its historic legacy while equipping it to thrive for generations to come.
Learn more about NTCIC’s involvement in the project here.