New York’s Great White Way just sprouted a patch of green in an old building — the original Henry Miller Theatre — a venue originally planned by writer-producer-actor Henry Miller that dates back to 1918.

Officially opening its doors to the public October 15 with a revival of Bye Bye Birdie (a musical, near and dear to me, but that’s another story), The Durst Organization and Bank of America yesterday announced the completion of this seriously refurbished and green theatre on West 43rd Street in Times Square.

Starring John Stamos as Conrad Birdie, with Gina Gershon and Bill Irwin, Birdie preview performances begin September 10 for a limited run through January 10, 2010; and will be directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom.

The 1,055-seat house is located inside the new 55-story Bank of America Tower (also known as One Bryant Park) and will be New York’s first LEED®-rated theater. Henry Miller’s Theatre is the first newly built Broadway theater in more than two decades and sets new standards for environmentally sustainable design and construction of performing arts venues.  The 50,000-square-foot venue is located behind the preserved and restored neo-Georgian façade of the original 1918 theater.

Creating the best possible indoor environment for audiences, performers and production staff was a top priority for the design and construction team. This has been achieved through 95% air filtration, carbon dioxide sensors to maximize fresh air supply, and the selection of healthy, low-emitting materials.

Environmentally responsible materials used in the theater’s construction include Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood products (Native North American cherry veneered wall panels & auditorium seating, handrails, trim and auditorium ceiling); bamboo veneer for paneling on mezzanine fronts in the auditorium and orchestra bar; high-recycled content as well as paperstone for wall panels and baseboards; marble flooring and countertops quarried in Vermont; waterless urinals to reduce consumption of potable water; and wastewater from washroom sinks gets directed to One Bryant Park’s gray water system.

Green construction at Henry Miller’s Theatre was multi-faceted.  A minimum of 25 percent of materials was locally sourced (originating within a 500-mile radius), supporting the regional economy and reducing emissions from transportation.  Forty-five percent of cement in the foundation and superstructure concrete mix designs was replaced with blast furnace slag, a by-product of iron manufacturing, significantly reducing the amount of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.  Waste was reused/reduced:  a minimum 85 percent of construction and demolition debris was diverted from landfill and instead was recycled.

The Durst Organization and Bank of America are pursuing LEED Platinum certification for the office tower, and LEED Gold for the theatre.