BIG Architects has revealed new renderings of the proposed rooftop addition to the 104-year-old Fifth Avenue Lord & Taylor building. WeWork purchased the building last year for $850 million and plans to make the property their new headquarters. Lord & Taylor will close after the 2018-19 holiday season sighting lack of profitability. In May 2018 WeWork named Ingels the company’s Chief Architect, who is working with LIVWRK and preservation consultant Higgins Quasebarth on the redevelopment. The restoration of the property will maintain its historical facade, although with a change in signage, and will include a rooftop addition that will feature a new roof terrace with multi-use areas and landscaped courtyard. Other changes will include reconfiguring the ground floor, adding more windows, restoring the historic bay windows to their original form, restoring the 6th-floor balconies and expanding the entrance. WeWork expects to use the space for events and as private space for employees. The proposal will be reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
