[Photo via John Gillis Architecture]
Seems Lincoln Center officials have been climbing the walls over how "unsuccessful" a certain indoor public atrium in their backyard has turned out to be, so they're doing something about it. Under a lease agreement, plans are being drawn up to turn Harmony Atrium (above) at 61 W. 62nd St. between Columbus and Broadway into the "62nd Street Y" (working title, we imagine), featuring a sort of TKTS booth for Lincoln Center events as well as places to eat, WiFi, and watch free events.
The climbing wall itself may or may not be part of the plans, but what of the people who don't have any other place to be all day, the most common occupants of the space these days? Officials aren't going so far as to say the homeless will be kicked out, they're just saying they want a better fed class of free-music attendees. Hence this quote by center president Reynold Levy: "I'd love that person to enjoy the concert having had 2,800 calories that day."
· From Underused Public Space to Cultural Commons [NYT]
BONUS: While we're on the block, why not check out a renovated two-bedroom apt. upstairs? "Deal Fell Through. Back on the Market! ... Two blocks to all public transportation, Time Warner Mall (so much for vertical shopping experience) and Whole Foods Market. Perfect for Pied-A-Terres and 1 dog allowed (no cat substitutions)." Asking price: $1.399 million. [Elliman]