.png)
Katherine G. Farley to Head Lincoln Center Redevelopment Program
By: BWW News Desk Jan. 18, 2006
Under Farley's leadership, the program will implement a number of changes in the look of Lincoln Center. According to a New York Times article, "Lincoln Center's board, which oversees the campus's 12 different art groups, recently approved conceptual designs for the next phase of the redevelopment: the renovation of the fountain plaza and the Columbus Avenue entrance. The board has approved a $45 million fund-raising goal toward this phase, known as the South Campus, which is expected to cost about $125 million in total. The architecture firm on the project is Diller Scofidio + Renfro - in association with FX Fowle - which also designed the 65th Street project, including a renovation of Alice Tully Hall, the Juilliard School and the Film Society. Lincoln Center officials said that they were not ready to release the conceptual design for the plaza, which calls for a new grand entrance, outdoor seating and an updating of the iconic fountain. But Reynold Levy, president of Lincoln Center, expressed relief that it had been accepted in principle. 'We are incredibly pleased with the speed,' he said."
In addition to the renovations of the fountains and performance spaces, a joint fund-raising strategy for a new auditorium in Avery Fisher Hall is being developed. The auditorium, which would be designed by Norman Foster, would not be a reality until 2010 or 2011, " because center officials do not want both the Tully and Fisher venues to be closed at the same time." As for more immediate plans, the city of New York has given Lincoln Center tax-exempt municipal bonds totaling $150 million; they will "help finance the $500 million transformation of 65th Street, the first phase of Lincoln Center's overhaul." The bonds mark the first time that Lincoln Center has relied on financing by bonds rather than on donations, which prolong the renovation process.
A plan to eliminate access to Lincoln Center's parking garage from 65th Street is also likely to be put into effect by 2009, the 50th anniversary year of the performing arts mecca.
Farley steps into a post that has been vacant since 2003; Rebecca Robertson, the redevelopment's executive director, is also in charge of day-to-day planning of the renovations. Farley, who was previously a member of the Lincoln Center Theater and the New York Philharmonic boards, spearhearded Avery Fisher Hall renovations. She is married to Carnegie Hall boardmember Jerry I. Speyer, who is also the president and chief executive of Tishman Speyer Properties. "The two move in the top echelons of New York society and are known for their cultural largess," states the article.
For more information on Lincoln Center, visit www.lincolncenter.org.
Videos