Spoke to a friend of mine who is in the Government & Public Policy
Department and researched the New Amsterdam as an example of public &
private co-operation in historical preservation for a paper that was
never published.

His research suggested that while the restoration was extremely
detailed, it was also incomplete. The Rooftop Theatre was found to be
structurally sound but was in fact never really renovated. Material
that was considered a fire hazard or or was not up to code was
replaced
but it was never returned to the position where it would be
considered
safe enough for visitors.

According to my friend, the renovation was limited to those areas
needed for production, generally accessable to the public, offices
and
dressing rooms. There are several subbasements that were never
touched.
It simply wasn't cost effective to renovate the entire building
considering the incredible costs (supposedly close to $100 million)
and
operating expenses.

Still very interesting news about Ollie. Thanks

Your partner in limburger

--- In TheNewCovenOfOliveThomas@yahoogroups.com, "lexand51st"
<lexand51st@...> wrote:
>
> Just learned that Playbill Radio is doing a show on Broadway's Most
Famous Ghost, Olive
> Thomas. To air at 7 p.m. Monday 10-20. More details at
playbillradio.com.
> I'm in NYC on vacation. Not sure I can make it up to Woodlawn
Cemetery on this trip,
> but perhaps I'll me able to stop by St. Thomas Church for a quick
remembrance of our
> Ollie. Last I checked, the New Amsterdam is not offering tours.
I've asked on several
> occasions, but no luck. I'd love to see what was the Rooftop
Theater, though I'm told
> nothing of what was there still exists.
>