The iconic Palace Theater in Times Square, New York, is getting ready for a huge restoration plan!
The Wall Street Journal reports that in an effort to preserve the landmark, The New York City Preservation Commission recently just approved a $2 billion plan of integrating a 704-room hotel just right above it. This project will also add 10,000 square feet of space to the theater and plans to spruce up its interiors is also in the works. However, some preservationists are not too happy with this major plan for the 1913 structure. They think that a project of this scale will only do harm to the historical landmark and might just cause tremendous damage to the property.
Simeon Bankoff, head of the Historic Districts Council, said that "usually moving a landmark is a last-ditch kind of option to protect it against a road widening, an enormous development," he said, adding, "[This is] a case of really conspicuous consumption." This is in response to the seemingly odd move of lifting the theater's structure 29 feet above ground to make way for these developments.
According to NY Curbed, owners of the Palace Theater, the Nederlander organization, is partnering up with Maefield Development for the huge project. Other than the hotel, other facilities to be added are a restaurant, bar, and a nightclub -- which in total, will add another 40,000 square feet to the said property. Another 66,000 square feet will be added for a huge mall that's four floors high. PBDW Architects is handling the project, and Yabu Pushelburg, who is best known for their work in One Madison Park, will do interior design.
To address the preservationists' concern, Maefield promises to keep the entrance in tact and preserved. Playbill reports that "a new lobby entrance will be built on the 47th Street side of the building, topped by a 75-foot marquee. The theatre's interior is landmarked and will be preserved as is." They also have nothing to worry about in terms of construction, as the theater's existing foundation is strong enough and they are confident that it can handle their huge architectural plans.
