by: Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP
The New York Times published an article about a proposal to move the Joyce Theater performing art center from the World Trade Center site to the Fulton Street Transit Center (See “Proposal Would Relocate Arts Center to Transit Hub,” by Robin Pogrebin, 04.10.08). While the proposal, put forth by Avi Schick, president and downstate COO of the Empire State Development Corporation and chairman of the Board of Directors at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, is not yet approved, I am concerned that the state will make rash, damaging decisions dictated by inadequate funding.
One of the biggest challenges facing planners of the WTC site is how to make it a destination for locals and tourists at all times of day and night. The commercial development, major transit hub, retail stores, and memorial should keep the site lively throughout the day. However, once work hours are over, I doubt a shopping mall will do the trick. It hasn’t worked in the past, and businesses in Lower Manhattan have enough trouble staying open once Wall Street executives limo home, outside the area. Instead, the Joyce Theater’s diverse performances and programs, that attract both young and old audiences, would create a magnet for evening activity. The WTC could become a downtown alternative to Lincoln Center.
The proposal to move the art center to Fulton Street would take away from both the Joyce Theater and the transit center projects. How will the state reconcile between the current transit hub, designed by Grimshaw Architects with James Carpenter Design Associates and Arup, and the Gehry Partners-designed art center? The proposal itself seems to assume that buildings can be used for anything, no matter what the initial design intent. It is a matter of misappropriation. The transit hub, designed for mass transit, cannot simply incorporate an art center; and by proceeding with this proposal, there is no guarantee it will save the city any money.
Ultimately, I feel that the state has not been able to see culture as a critical asset. It is often viewed at best as an enhancement to a place, or at worst an afterthought, but it is not perceived as a requisite to successful urban planning. For a city internationally renowned for its culture, it’s a shame new, high profile projects are being compromised.