 NYU Mega-Complex Design Revealed
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Image of the planned new NYU mega-complex on Mercer Street which the university describes as “transparent” “elegant,” and “engaging.” |
New York University has revealed design plans for its gigantic “Zipper” building to replace the Coles Gym on Mercer Street between Bleecker and Houston – view them here. The enormous 320 foot long, nearly 300 foot tall, almost 1 million square foot building, consisting of a series of interlocking and projecting components, was part of the NYU Twenty Year expansion plan approved in 2012 by Mayor Bloomberg, the City Council (led by Councilmembers Margaret Chin an Christine Quinn), and then-Borough President Scott Stringer. GVSHP, NYU faculty, and dozens of community groups sued to overturn the approvals, which succeeded at the State Supreme Court level, but this ruling was overturned by the State Court of Appeals.
The plans show a largely glass and metal structure rising from a massive base to a series of protruding towers of different heights. NYU claims the new design promotes “transparency” and “connectivity” between the university and the surrounding community; GVSHP vigorously disputes that claim.
As a result of overwhelming opposition to the NYU expansion project, its size was cut down somewhat and a small number of public benefits were extracted from the university as part of the deal. GVSHP will monitor these developments closely to ensure that any and all commitments are maintained and any limits imposed upon NYU are adhered to – particularly as the university has a long history of not abiding by such agreements.
Previous: 09/14/16
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