South Park's Ritz Milner Hotel is shutting down until 2019, allowing its ownership to begin work on upgrades to the nearly 95-year-old building's common spaces.

The project is highlighted by a plan for a new rooftop common area, which will provide covered and outdoor dining space for an on-site restaurant.  The space would be created by repurposing an existing utility structure.

Rockefeller Partners Architects is designing the project, which also includes a restoration of the building's ground floor and a new paint job.

Ownership is also planning to expand alcohol sales to the new roof deck, as well as existing common spaces at the basement, first and second floors.