We worked to generate a progressive, forward-looking image to symbolize the viability of the institution that is the Museum of the City of New York – an important learning resource and a neighborhood catalyst for change.
Richard Olcott, Design Partner
Based on the Museum’s Strategic Plan and completed in 1989, a new Master Plan outlined multiple renovation and stabilization projects for the reinvigoration of Joseph Freedlander’s 1932 landmark neo-Georgian building.
Meeting a critical aesthetic challenge, the master plan balances two seemingly contradictory demands: preserving the identity of the original historical building while at the same time generating a progressive image for the Museum’s future.
One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the renovation/expansion plan has been keeping the Museum in operation throughout the entire multi-phase process, with a strategy that ensured museum staff had the essential space to continue their work in serving the public with ongoing exhibitions and educational programs.
Timothy Hartung, Management Partner
Phase I (2006-2008) included an addition to provide collection storage and support space, as well as a new flexible, twenty-first-century gallery in preparation for the renovation of all the existing galleries and a reorganization of the Museum’s program areas.
Phase II (2009-2012) encompassed the renovation of five floors of the South Wing in the existing building to include an education center, galleries and a new museum shop. It also included offices for the Director and curatorial staff in the existing fourth and fifth floors.
Phase III (2013-2015) renovated five floors of the North Wing to include new galleries, a museum café, a multi-purpose auditorium and an expanded museum shop.
