Sonos Audio System Installed at 45 Howard Street
The 100-year-old New York City facility now features a multi-floor sound system designed for ease of use.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Home Entertainment
Live Poll
Do you trust modern technology installations to preserve the character of historic local buildings?
The Lightning Society completed a comprehensive audio installation at its 100-year-old Soho facility in 2026. This setup, designed by OneButton, integrates specialized speaker systems across several floors to modernize the historic building's entertainment capabilities.
Why it matters
The installation prioritizes operational simplicity, ensuring that the facility's audio experience requires no complex end-user training. By navigating strict aesthetic and electrical constraints, the design offers a solution for integrating high-end audio into historic architecture.
The system utilizes 16 invisible speakers on the second floor and 8 Era 100 Pro speakers on the third. The project also features a 100-inch screen in a new micro theater.
The players
Sonos
An audio manufacturer known for its ecosystem of connected speakers and home sound systems.
OneButton
A technology design firm specializing in integrated audio-visual systems and hardware installation.
Lightning Society
A facility operator and member organization occupying a historic building at 45 Howard Street.
The details
Installation specialists routed wires through historic channels located between original building beams and pillars to preserve the structural integrity of the 100-year-old venue. The team utilized an Era 100 Pro Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) solution to maintain signal quality while bypassing the need for traditional 70v transformers. This approach allows the system to operate effectively despite strict limits on available electrical outlets.
Timeline
The project installation commenced with the ballroom in the beginning of 2026.
Remaining member areas are scheduled to come online over the next few months.
The Home Front
This installation reflects the broader challenge of modernizing 100-year-old properties while adhering to strict historic preservation codes. It marks a transition toward using PoE audio technology to avoid the invasive wiring typically required in older building stock.
When upgrading audio in older homes, check your available electrical outlet density and consult a professional regarding wire routing channels to avoid damaging historic beams. For installations requiring complex integration, prioritize systems that allow for modular expansion without heavy rewiring.
The takeaway
Simplicity in user operation is as important as sound quality when planning a custom audio installation for older, complex spaces. Consider using Power-over-Ethernet solutions if your home has limited electrical access, but always consult a licensed electrician for structural wire routing.
What happens next
The remaining member areas of the facility are scheduled to come online over the next few months.
Further reading
For more on integrating modern technology into historic homes, explore the Home Entertainment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Systemscontractor.
Live Poll
Do you trust modern technology installations to preserve the character of historic local buildings?
