Natural History Museum Expansion Approved by City Preservation Agency

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The design for the American Museum of Natural History's $325 million Gilder Center expansion project has cleared one of its final hurdles.

The design plan was approved Tuesday by the city's Landmarks Preservations Commission, which approves construction projects in landmark districts. The museum itself is an individual landmark, but has been bounded inside the Central Park West Historic District for more than two decades.

“The Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is designed to enhance the public understanding of science by letting all visitors share in the excitement of discovery,” said Ellen V. Futter, president of the American Museum of Natural History, in a statement. “The Museum has been working with the architect to make sure the project respects the existing Museum campus and its location in a landmark district and in a public park. We appreciate the careful consideration of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and we look forward to the next steps in the process.”

The Gilder Center expansion received mixed feedback from the Upper West Side community, pitting preservationists against allies of the museum, including Community Board 7. The Community Board approved the design with 37 board members approving, one against and three abstain during its Oct. 5 full board meeting.

The project was opposed by community members who were dismayed that the new center will eat up a quarter-acre of parkland in Theodore Roosevelt Park. Project opponents also warned that the Gilder Center entrance will entice more museum visitors to enter the museum on Columbus Avenue, which would disturb those seeking rest and respite in the park.

Photo: Patch