Lincoln Center, a cultural center in New York City known for its elegant plaza and concert halls, is planning a major renovation of its western edge in an effort to promote inclusivity and diversity. The current view from the center’s west side is dominated by an imposing wall that stretches across several blocks. The renovation project will likely involve tearing down parts of the wall to create a more welcoming environment. The area around the western campus includes public housing complexes, schools, and community centers, and Lincoln Center hopes to strengthen ties with these neighboring institutions through the renovation.
In recent years, Lincoln Center has been working to diversify its programming and expand access to its campus. The organization’s goal is to shed its elitist image and attract more diverse audiences, particularly Black and Latino residents. The renovation project is seen as a natural next step after the recent $550 million renovation of the New York Philharmonic’s home at David Geffen Hall.
The western edge renovation will be a significant effort that will help define the legacy of Lincoln Center. The center’s leaders have not yet provided an estimated cost or timeline for the project. The plans will depend on public input and will likely involve tearing down parts of the wall, building an outdoor stage, and renovating Damrosch Park. The renovation project is seen as an opportunity to correct the complicated history of the Upper West Side, where the vibrant San Juan Hill neighborhood, home to many low-income Black and Latino residents, was razed to make way for Lincoln Center’s construction.
Lincoln Center’s leaders are committed to making the arts accessible to all and are seeking public input to help inform the renovation project. Several broad aims have been identified, including tearing down parts of the wall, building an outdoor stage, and renovating Damrosch Park. The area under exploration includes the stretch of Amsterdam Avenue from West 62nd to West 65th Street, as well as the northwest corner of the campus. The renovation project is regarded as an opportunity to create a more inclusive future for the community spaces that serve the neighborhood.
