When the performing arts center for Ground Zero was first proposed, the idea was that it would become downtown’s Lincoln Center.
The Post has been skeptical about this project from the start. And latest news tells us our skepticism was well-founded: This is a project in disarray on almost every level.
Most immediately, the arts center must raise hundreds of millions just to cover its construction costs, which last year were said to be $469 million. Even if it succeeds, it will have to compete not only with the city’s many other arts institutions, but with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in its own back yard. Notwithstanding the $155 million in federal (i.e., taxpayer) funds that have already been allocated, the board’s chairman, John Zuccotti, has said the project will need even more.
Ten years after Frank Gehry was named architect, his original design has been completely redrawn, and it’s unclear if he’s even still involved. Down-scaling was meant to cut costs, but remember, this is a public project we’re talking about. That means construction costs move in only one direction. And take it from us — it’s not down. Just look at how the price tag on the nearby Ground Zero museum has ballooned to $1 billion.
On top of this, private fundraising couldn’t begin until after the center’s programming had been set. And officials now admit that designing the center before the programming was decided was a mistake, so they’re essentially starting from scratch. In addition, most of the original proposed tenants are now gone.
As The Wall Street Journal points out, the costs are higher than normal because this is to be built around infrastructure such as PATH train tracks, emergency subway exits and a truck ramp. It’s likely the arts center will need expensive soundproofing to deal with vibrations from the subways.
And consider this: New York already has more performance venues than almost any other city in the world. The move to raise this white elephant at Ground Zero comes at the same time a number of new smaller-sized arts venues have been opened in places like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Lincoln Center, on top of the 45 already existing cultural halls and facilities — all of which are struggling to meet their own financial obligations.
In short, New Yorkers don’t need this arts center and, more important, can’t afford it. At this point, the performance that would get the most cheers is an announcement the whole thing was being scrapped.