State's investment in the arts

Real Estate Weekly, Feb 1, 2006

Governor George E. Pataki announced that his 2006-07 executive budget will include new funding for Lincoln Center to expand its facilities and provide new and enhanced visitor amenities and public spaces. The Governor's budget provides a total of $50 million for three New York cultural institutions and the New York Public Library.

"New York City has an abundance of major cultural and historical attractions that have made it the most sought-after tourist destination in the world," Governor Pataki said. "My proposed budget would provide critical funding to revitalize and expand Lincoln Center, one of New York's most well-known and diverse cultural anchors. The executive budget also provides support for the restoration and renovation of some of New York City's most important cultural institutions and unique historical resources."

Under the new budget, Lincoln Center would receive $15 million to support the 65th Street Redevelopment Project. The project would expand several of the Center's cultural facilities and provide new and enhanced visitor amenities and public spaces, including a new campus green, retail and restaurant spaces.

The American Museum of Natural History would receive $18 million to restore the landmark Roosevelt Memorial Hall and the New York Historical Society would receive $5 million to renovate its auditorium and upgrade and create new facilities. The New York Public Library would receive $12 million to restore the facade of the landmark Humanities and Social Sciences Library and renovate the Dorot Jewish Division.