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The Frick Collection Taps New Architects For Expansion On The Upper East Side Expansion

The Frick Collection will again present expansion proposals to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) in a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 29. Following widespread public outcry and eventual LPC disapproval in 2014, the new plans increase the building’s aboveground area by about 10 percent, relocate a portion of the collection below ground, create a new auditorium and visual entertainment areas, and increase accessibility for people in wheelchairs and mobility-impaired visitors.

Starchitect Annabelle Selldorf will oversee design of the expansion in collaboration with architects of record, Beyer Blinder Belle.

Though feedback for this round of proposals remains mostly positive, opponents have voiced concerns regarding changes to the Russell Page Garden.

While the 4,100-square-foot garden will not be eliminated as planned in previous iterations of the expansion, foliage on the northern boundary of the garden would be tapered to promote greater visibility from vertically extended structures to surround central green space.

The LPC hearing is open to the public beginning at 9:30AM on May 29.

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NYY