Historical Society's Renovation Plans Rile Neighborhood

"The New-York Historical Society wants to begin a $20 million renovation of its landmark building at 170 Central Park West (between 76th and 77th Streets). It would be followed not only by the construction of a fifth floor atop its roof but also a costly 23-story glass apartment tower behind the society's museum and library, altering the skyline."

"This month, the society received bids for the plan from eight developers. The society has approached the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which must approve changes to the 1908 building's neo-Classical exterior."

"We hope the community sees our institution as a major amenity and asset, but we do have a need to grow," said Louise Mirrer, the society's president. The expansion, she said, would provide space for reorganized galleries and collections and help the institution meet a growing public role and contribute to its solvency."

"For decades, community opposition has hindered expansion plans. Now, neighbors and preservationists, bloodied from recent battles against developers, are rallying again. "The winds of war are stirring, and this is the calm before the storm," said Joseph Bolanos, president of the West 76th Street Park Block Association, who claims to have 100 members living between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

Mr. Bolanos said the tower "would ruin the neighborhood," and added: "Our membership is concerned about the changing character of the West Side. People feel they are being steamrollered Our game plan is to protest everything that happens." He added: "We're ready to go full blast. Our people are very angry."

"Councilwoman Gale A. Brewer, who represents the neighborhood, already opposes one aspect of the society's plan. "For historic reasons, a glass tower is wrong," she said, adding: "This is going to be a long process. I don't know if they can get it done."

"The society's plans may face restrictions imposed by the city and the state, which have contributed more than $25 million for improvements inside the building since the early 1990s, when the neglected, and nearly bankrupt, society closed its doors for two years."