BackRestoring Shea's documents phase two of the various restoration projects that have been completed at the theatre starting in 1996 and still ongoing.
The ceilings and side walls of the house were completely re-painted with careful matching of the paint colors.
All of the painting needed to be done by hand, with no sprayers or rollers involved.
During the restoration, a piece of the original wool carpeting was discovered, allowing the team to faithfully replicate its design. A mill in Ireland carefully reproduced the historic pattern, and the carpeting you see today in Shea's Buffalo Theatre is an exact match to what adorned the floors when the theater first opened.
In the replicated carpeting at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, intricate details such as heraldic shields, lions, and flowers can be seen, echoing the original design. A black-and-white photo from the theater’s early days was used to mimic this historic pattern, ensuring authenticity in the restoration.
The exterior restoration of Shea's Buffalo Theatre required innovative solutions to address structural issues, including problems caused by wind exposure. Instead of using the original glazed terracotta bricks, an approved substitute material—Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)—was employed. This modern material not only preserved the historic aesthetic of the theater but also provided enhanced durability.
Shea's Smith & Shea's 710 Theatres
2001 & 2013
Photo Credit: Buffalo Courier-Express - January 17, 1933
Shea's and the Studio Arena have a history dating back longer than 2012 - in fact, our history together began in 1932! Jane Keeler and the newly-formed Studio Arena were given residence at the Gayety Burlesque Theater, rent-free - by the owner, Michael Shea himself!
It's Only An Intermission
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