OHL, in charge of rehabilitating and extending Teatro de la Comedia

As part of its unique building activities, the OHL Group has carried out rehabilitation and extension works in Teatro de la Comedia, one of Madrid’s emblematic buildings, founded in 1875. The project, awarded by the National Institute of Scenic Arts and Music, includes structural improvements and upgrading of areas for use by the public and artistic staff, and the rehabilitation of decorative items. It was re-inaugurated on 16 October, coinciding with the premiere of the play The Mayor of Zalamea, by Calderón de la Barca. 

OHL’s works include various tasks aimed at strengthening the building’s structure; the concrete beams have been reinforced with new steel-plate box beams and 25 of the 64 cast-iron columns have been replaced; the columns are unique for their capitals, which reproduce images inspired by the life of the theater’s promoter, Silverio López de Larrainza. Rehabilitation of the theater has also included raising the stage to install the pulleys and counter-pulleys, and creating a new multidisciplinary room, named Tirso de Molina, able to seat one hundred spectators. 

OHL has carried out various restoration tasks in order for the theater to recover its original appearance. After drawing up an informative file on the building’s decorative items, they were rehabilitated or replaced with replicas of the original pieces. Of interest is the recovered polychrome linen canvas located on the ceiling of the main room, and works on staircase handrails and balconies, lamps in spectator areas, bronze sculptures in the vestibule and the wood and brass skirting board. 

Teatro de la Comedia first opened its doors in 1875. Designed by the architect Agustín Ortiz de Villajos, author of Iglesia del Buen Suceso and Teatros de la Princesa (today known as María Guerrero) and former Teatro Circo Price, the building is part of Madrid’s Iron Architecture, as it uses cast steel in its structure and decoration.

In the field of unique buildings, of interest is OHL’s experience in the rehabilitation and renovation of several historic buildings, where the highest technology has been used whilst preserving their social and cultural background. Some examples are Teatro Real, Casa Real de la Panadería and Plaza Mayor (Madrid); Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona) and Hotel Alfonso XIII (Seville). Outside Spain, of relevance is the Corbin Building, in New York (USA), registered at the National Register of Historic Places, and the works underway in the Old War Office, in London (United Kingdom).

Interior view of the Teatro de la Comedia. Madrid. Spain.