F.M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant

the opportunity

Paper Mill's investment in its physical campus reflects a bold commitment to ensuring that live theater remains a vital, inclusive, and thriving art form for audiences old and new. The Carriage House marks the first phase of a $48.8 million campus-wide transformation encompassing front- and back-of-house spaces and site amenities that support Paper Mill Playhouse's mission to be the premier musical theater destination in the region.

Our Approach

The design concept for the Carriage House Restaurant was rooted in a "past, present, and future" framework, honoring the site's origins as a historic paper mill, celebrating Paper Mill Playhouse's legacy as a producer of original theatrical works, and positioning the campus for its next chapter. Cosmetic improvements preserve the character of the historic Carriage House's two-story dining rooms, while a new two-story addition expands the restaurant's dining, kitchen, and event capacity. The new wing's exterior recalls the theater's historic façade, creating a stronger architectural presence and a recognizable sense of arrival from downtown.

Drawing inspiration from Paper Mill's own production of "The Great Gatsby," the interior extends the theatrical experience into the dining environment through curved architectural beams, integrated lighting, decorative murals, and intimate banquette seating. The first floor features a large bar within an intimate dining setting, while the second floor provides dedicated space for special events, performances, and conferences. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer views toward the Playhouse, strengthening the connection between the dining experience, live performance, and Paper Mill's patrons.

Developed in close coordination with the local historic committee, the renovation and expansion carefully preserve and reinterpret the historic character of the Paper Mill Playhouse campus while introducing the modern amenities and accessibility today's audiences expect.

Program

Two-story historic carriage house dining rooms, two-story addition with first-floor bar/dining and second-floor event/performance space, kitchen, and support areas

Partners

Tate Design Group, Interior Design Concept
Harrison-Hamnett, Structural
CMTA, MEP/FP and Acoustical Engineering
Dynamic Engineering Consultants, Civil
Metinteractive, AV/IT
Corsi Associates, Food Service
Phelps Construction Group, Contractor

Photography

Connie Zhou