History and architecture
The St. James (built as the Erlanger) Theater survives today as one of the historic playhouses that symbolize American theater for both New York and the nation. Built in 1926-27, the St. James was designed by the prominent firm of Warren & Wetmore as the last Broadway theater erected for Abraham Erlanger.
Abraham Erlanger had been a principal in the infamous Klaw & Erlanger Theatrical Syndicate, which had dominated the American theater industry for several decades on either side of the turn of the century. After the break-up of the Syndicate, Klaw and Erlanger went their separate ways, and each built theaters named for themselves.
The Erlanger was the first theatrical commission of Warren & Wetmore, one of New York's most prominent architectural firms. This commission demonstrated Erlanger's determination to make the house that bore his name as handsome a theater as possible.
The St. James, as an unusual theater design by the architects of Grand Central Terminal, and the last Broadway venture of Abraham Erlanger, represents a special and important aspect of the nation's theatrical history. Beyond its historical importance, its facade is a handsome, if restrained, Beaux-Arts style design which contributes to the visual cohesiveness of the Shubert Alley cluster on West 44th and West 45th Streets.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.