Transformations along the north end of the Bowery continue apace, and the new plan from Grace Church School at 38-50 Cooper Square advances a proposal to spiff up the nabe. To do the job they've enlisted Alspector Architecture, the team that designed the Grace Gymnasium along East Ninth Street a few years back. The old and tired vinyl awnings protruding from the full length of bricks will come down, to be replaced by a new angled metal and glass canopy.
The private high school, set to open in September 2012, will face onto a renovated Cooper Square, where a broad plaza will become a teaching spot for Grace. The school takes up five old buildings, connected and re-fronted with brick years ago. Spreading out and up over nearly 75,000 square feet, the school is aiming for a 600 seat lecture hall on the main level and a full gym on the fourth floor. The plan for out front is relatively simple, and its fate will be decided soon by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
· Grace Church School Gymnasium [Alspector Architecture]
· New Bowery Plaza Will Teach During the Day, Party at Night [Curbed]
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