Lincoln Center has unveiled new renderings for a $335 million makeover of its western edge. The project aims to transform Damrosch Park, located on the Amsterdam Avenue side of the complex. The plans include a new 2,000-seat outdoor theater, landscaped pathways, public gardens, and a cantilevered seating area with a pergola.
The Guggenheim Bandshell and the concrete wall separating the plaza from Amsterdam Avenue will be demolished to open up the space to pedestrian access. The revamped park will feature a modern theater, water feature, and seating area in the middle. The bandshell area will be converted into a lawn surrounded by trees and a grove for shaded seating.
The park will seamlessly connect with Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza. The northwest corner of Lincoln Center at Amsterdam Avenue and West 65th Street will also be upgraded. Plans include revamped staircases with new seating spaces and a wall covered in pleated mirrored paneling.
The design stems from community feedback gathered over two years.
Lincoln Center’s western edge transformation
Lincoln Center plans to begin construction next year with a targeted completion date of May 2028.
This timeline aims to limit the closure of Damrosch Park and its free summer performances to no more than two seasons. Lincoln Center has raised about $218 million for the project so far, including a $75 million gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The design team includes Hood Design Studio, Weiss/Manfredi, and Moody Nolan.
The project aims to increase accessibility and year-round use of the current site of Damrosch Park. By tearing down the southern part of the wall, Lincoln Center hopes to make the space more welcoming to residents of NYCHA’s Amsterdam Houses and students at nearby high schools. Community feedback has highlighted the desire for a water feature, more shade, and additional greenery.
The plans include a lawn, tree groves, and a garden that collectively add 50% more trees than currently exist in the park. Lincoln Center continues to accept feedback from the public and will hold the next community open house on Thursday, May 22. Construction is set to begin next spring and is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
