A cavernous W57th Street space that started life as a church, became a recording studio, notorious nightclub and, most recently, one of New York’s strangest immersive nightlife experiences is set for another transformation — this time into a 250-seat theater.

Arts 57Arts 57 NYC plans to turn 311 W57th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, into a mid-sized theater. Photo: Phil O’Brien

Arts 57 NYC plans to turn 311 W57th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, into a mid-sized venue aimed primarily at Off-Broadway productions, with musical theater, jazz, comedy and other live performances.

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Phil O'Brien Portrait

Publisher & Editor Phil O’Brien is an entrepreneur and journalist. As an international photojournalist, he photographed Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana and many others. He built a successful international sports photography agency, EMPICS, that was Getty Images’ major competitor in Europe when it sold. He founded a children’s charity in the UK that has helped young people through sport for over 15 years. Phil has lived in New York since 2012. He founded W42ST in 2014.


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