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The Great White Way is going dark.
A new $27 million plan to redesign Times Square’s famed “bow tie” calls for an atmospheric “film noir” look for the five-block area, featuring permanent pedestrian plazas with a smooth, dark pavement studded with reflective metal disks designed to recapture the gritty feel of the city’s past.
“It’s not taking its cues from some pretty little things in Europe or something,” said Craig Dykers, an architect with Snohetta Design, the firm that also designed the 9/11 Museum downtown.
“Our design has a film noir feel to it; it’s more muscular. Paris or London can have these little benches, but New York has a toughness to it,” he said during a presentation to Community Board 5’s Transportation Committee Monday night.
The redesign would mean the pedestrian plazas from 42nd to 47th streets are here to stay, and they’ll be easier for people to negotiate because curbs and sidewalks will be eliminated, creating a level surface.
The plazas would be covered with large paving stones in two dark-colored shades placed in a pattern and studded with nickel-sized stainless-steel “pucks” that would reflect neon lights.
“Our larger goal is to create a situation and an environment that is friendly for both New Yorkers and tourists,” Dykers said.
“We want to revamp the ups and downs and make it simpler and flatter. We want to consolidate and create a situation where the infrastructure can be built right into the pavement and landscape plan.”
Of the 13 CB5 committee members present, eight liked it, one didn’t and four were neutral.
The reaction was less positive yesterday in Times Square.
“Why the hell would they spend $27 million dollars? It’s a waste of money, it’s a waste of manpower,” said Clive Taylor, 25, of Flatbush, who works at a Times Square Starbucks.
“Ain’t the city supposed to be broke? There’s nothing better to spend the money on?” asked José Diaz of Queens, a 20-something who works at a clothing store nearby.