Public Theater's Monumental Changes Revealed

Yesterday we brought you first word on a burgeoning feud in Astor Place, where the Joseph Papp Public Theater is proposing various changes to its landmark structure on Lafayette. Those changes include adding a 75-foot long "monumental stairway" of black granite leading up to the lobby, widening the sidewalk to create more of a gathering spot/plaza feel in front of the theater (the DOT has reportedly already pre-approved this), adding a glass canopy above the new stairs and tacking on various new signage and lighting elements. Some groups and residents are fighting the plan because they feel it sets a bad precedent for the protected Noho Historic District, but the good thing about this controversy is that it may have a swift conclusion: the Landmarks Preservation Commission is hearing the application today. We snuck in through the LPC's back door and snapped some pictures of the plans, designed by Polshek Partnership. Check 'em out and decide for yourself if a landmark is being tinkered with a bit too much.
· Astor Place's Public Theater Wants a Monumental New Look [Curbed]For more stories from Curbed, go to curbed.com.