Under construction for the Tharp dancers was a 6,500 sf studio in the former Sunday School room of the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on the corner of Lafayette Avenue and South Oxford Street. Rehearsal, classroom, office and public viewing space were to be created in the renovated space in what was to be called the "Twyla Tharp Dance Center."

The studio was to be an integral part of the Cultural District picture, which includes the Mark Morris Dance Center, a new 32,000 sf headquarters for this performing group. At the time the Tharp project was announced, BAM LDC officials commented that the two dance studios would complement one another and bring a greater spotlight to the entire project.

Other plans for the Cultural District announced last January included 80 Hanson Place, a 30,400 sf office building for small arts organizations; the Alliance of Resident Theaters/New York's conversion of the former Visiting Nurses Association Building on South Oxford Street into 15,500 sf of office and rehearsal space; BAM's undertaking of a $6.8 million restoration of its landmarked exterior; the Brooklyn Public Library's development of a 160,000 sf visual and performing arts branch; a mixed-use arts facility; and the rehabilitation of the former Strand Theater at the corner of Fulton Street and Rockwell Place as a 70,000 sf mixed-use facility.

Commenting on addressing the Tharp departure from the plans, Stearns says, "In the meantime, BAM LDC is still working on other projects in the area, which are helping provide affordable space to small arts groups. The group is working on the rehabilitation of a vacant state-owned former office building at 80 Hanson Place, which will be renovated into office space for about 30 small arts organizations, as well as office space and a visitors' center for the Bogolan Merchants Association. The LDC expects to close on the sale of the building this summer and commence renovation in the fall."

BAM LDC is planning to release an official statement to the press later today (May 9) regarding the Twyla Tharp Dance Center. Stearns adds that BAM LDC is also continuing to move forward "with its plans to redevelop several vacant parcels of land near BAM, which are now used for parking."

Instant Insights /

BAM LDC: Show Will Go on Without Twyla Tharp's Dance Troupe

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