Update March 16, 2021: The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve the project. “This is one of the more admirable applications I’ve seen in a long time. I think it’s admirable we are heading toward Hood’s vision,” said Commissioner Michael Devonshire. 

And to those wondering, "Radio Park" will be a tenant amenity. 

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Here's a sneak peek of what's planned for Radio City Music Hall at Rockefeller Center.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will review a verdurous new program designed by G3 Architecture and Interiors Planning and HMWhite next Tuesday, as building owner Tishman Speyer seeks approval to introduce a sky bridge connecting 1270 Avenue of the Americas to an expansive new landscaped park (similar to those already found atop Rockefeller Center) above Radio City Music Hall. 

Proposed roof plan by HMWhite (top) | Ralph Hancock and Raymond Hood design (bottom)

The new park, designed by HMWhite, harkens to a roof plan originally dreamt up by landscape architects Raymond Hood and Ralph Hancock in the 1930s. The pair were tasked with beautifying Rockefeller Center and they developed a blueprint that would see a system of interconnected gardens topping each of the complex's buildings.

Hood and Hancock were able to install gardens atop 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the four International-themed retail buildings, the Center Theatre, and Radio City Music Hall (which was actually a "sports garden"). However, their absolute vision never came to fruition due to the high costs associated with maintaining the gardens, as well as a general lack of public interest. As a result, the spaces were closed and no provisions were made to allow for gardens above the remaining buildings.

It is not clear if the new park topping Radio City will be open to the public, but it seems unlikely as the Rockefeller gardens on 5th Avenue are either reserved for private use or paid events. The presentation, however, does note a street-level entrance leading to what looks like dedicated elevators. Additional entryways are also provided on the 9th floor of 50 Rockefeller Plaza.

Proposed circulation | G3 Architecture and Interiors Planning

Radio City Music Hall is currently owned by Tishman Speyer. Tishman purchased the iconic theater in 2001 as part of a $1.85 billion Rockefeller Center portfolio deal. Per The Real Deal, the largest lease in 1270 Avenue of the Americas is registered to Premiere Radio Networks, which occupies over 100,500 square feet. Within 50 Rockefeller, the biggest tenant is Bank of America, which takes up 321,900 square feet in the building, more than half the space.

The development and design team will present the project to the LPC on Tuesday, March 16th. We will provide updates on the project here. Stay tuned.