May 25, 2005
Whitney allowed to raze brownstone for expansion
After two decades of failed attempts at expansion, the Whitney Museum of American Art yesterday was granted permission from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to tear down a brownstone building and construct a 17-story museum tower.
The plans, designed by architect Renzo Piano, originally called for the destruction of two 19th century brownstones in the Upper East Side designated historic district. The one that will go is the "more nondescript brownstone," according to Newsday.
While the New York Times ends its story with a snippy comment from artist Chuck Close, ("we're not allowed to take down one crummy brownstone,") Newsday goes for a more practical, this-might-not-work-anyway approach: But the compromise leaves the museum with an entrance only 16 feet wide - half as wide as originally planned - making it difficult to fit ticketing, security, lines and coat check facilities.
Jan Rothschild, a Whitney spokeswoman, said the design was still being developed. "We're still unsure this will meet all our functional and programmatic needs," she said. "We're going to have to study this." The Whitney still needs approval from the city's Board of Standards and Appeals, the Daily News notes.
Earlier: Whitney expansion would raze historic brownstones
Free hours at New York museums and gardens
Whitney turns up the volume on Friday nights
May 25, 2005 08:02 AM in Museums, Upper East Side
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