Rendering of Rainbow Room renovation. Image Courtesy: Gabellini Sheppard.

Approved plans would retain and restore remaining original elements of interior landmark, while replacing the dance floor and altering the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve a renovation plan for the Rainbow Room on January 8, 2013. The interior landmark, on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Plaza, was designated by Landmarks on October 13, 2012 and approved by the City Council on December 18, 2012.

The Rainbow Room, which was first opened in 1934, was designed by the firm Associated Architects, under the supervision of architect Wallace K. Harrison and interior designer Elena Bachman-Schmidt. The historic nightclub and restaurant features double-height windows, opulent chandeliers and sconces, a circular dance floor, and a domed ceiling. The room underwent an extensive renovation in 1987, overseen by architect Hugh Hardy. The Rainbow Room has been closed since 2009. (read more…)

The Rainbow Room. Credit: LPC

This article was originally published on 8/17/2012 (see below for update).

Rockefeller Center-owner Tishman Speyer endorsed designation, but said it would continue with plans to “revitalize” the currently unused nightclub and restaurant space. On September 11, 2012 Landmarks held a public hearing on the potential designation of the Rainbow Room on the 65th Floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza as an interior landmark. The Rainbow Room was designed by Associated Architects and opened in 1934. The iconic nightclub and restaurant space features 24 double-height windows, tiered seating around a dance floor, crystal chandeliers and sconces, and can accommodate 300 people. In 1987, architect Hugh Hardy oversaw the room’s renovation and restoration. The Rainbow Room has been closed to the public since 2009, when Tishman Speyer Properties evicted Cipriani Restaurants from the space. Landmarks calendared the space on August 14, 2012. (See CityLand‘s coverage here.)

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The Rainbow Room. Credit: LPC

Currently shuttered nightclub and restaurant venue on top of Rockefeller Plaza calendared for public hearing in September 2012. On August 14, 2012, Landmarks took the first step to consider designating the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza as an interior landmark. The Rainbow Room has been closed since 2009, when Tishman Speyer Properties, the owner of the building, evicted Cipriani Restaurants from the space.

The Rainbow Room opened in 1934, one year after the repeal of Prohibition. Described by Landmarks’ staff as “streamline modern”, the Rainbow Room was designed by Associated Architects, the same firm responsible for Rockefeller Center. Wallace K. Harrison acted as the lead architect and Elena Bachman-Schmidt oversaw the nightclub’s interior design. The nightclub could accommodate 300 people for dining and dancing, and was known for its expansive views of (read more…)

Full Council approved zoning amendment granting special authority to Planning Commission Chair. On June 23, 2005, the City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the zoning resolution allowing the Chair of the Planning Commission to authorize the use of illuminated signs in lots occupied by a landmark. The amended zoning resolution applied only to the Fifth Avenue Subdistrict of the Special Midtown District, and impacts the New York Public Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Thomas Church in addition to Rockefeller Center. Under the approved text, Landmarks must approve the signs before the Commission’s Chair can approve.

Rockefeller Center sought to place 16 illuminated signs at four locations: the entrance to Channel Gardens, Atlas Court, and two internal locations in Rockefeller Plaza. The signs would inform visitors of the soon-to-be-reopened observation roof on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and upcoming Plaza events. Retail advertising would be prohibited. The kiosks would replicate the kiosks that were located in Rockefeller Plaza until the early 1980’s when the observation roof was closed. (read more…)