Museum Names New Architect

After rejecting the original design plans to expand and renew the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows- Corona Park, officials from the museum, the New York Department of Construction and Design and the Department of Cultural Affairs have chosen a new architect to undertake the ambitious project.
The city chose Grimshaw Architects, a London-based design firm, who won out over seven other pre-qualified architectural firms participating in the City’s Design and Construction Excellence initiative.
“Grimshaw’s reputation precedes them,” says Tom Finkelpearl, museum director. “They have an incredible track record of creating experimental buildings at reasonable costs.”
The impressive $28.5 million plan will effectively double the existing building which is partially connected to the skating rink on the building’s southern side.
The rink is the only indoor ice rink in Queens. Plans were announced in 2000, to move the rink to another area of the park but construction was postponed due to rising costs and complicated construction issues.
The project, expected to take two years to complete has resumed, thanks to efforts by Borough President Helen Marshall. Marshall has been instrumental in developing the funds necessary for the completion of these two projects.
The building was built in 1939 and has been the temporary headquarters for the United Nations and the New York City Pavilion. It currently houses the Panorama of the City of New York and is a venue for various exhibitions from around the world.
The museum’s East and North side were renovated back in 1992 to reflect the true meaning and image encapsulated in this renowned cultural icon of Queens.
The new plans involve the conversion of both the South and West sides of the building, the side facing the Grand Central Parkway.
“This is a huge opportunity for the museum,” says Finkelpearl. “Everybody sees it from the highway and we really want to make it noticeable.”
Grimshaw’s New York office with consultants Ammann & Whitney, will be taking over the project which should begin to take shape within the next two years.
Finkelpearl says the museum is interested in “experimental architecture” and describes the firm as “a fresh voice in the design community.”
The project should be completed by 2009.
melissa@queenscourier.com