The New York Times reported today that Avery Fisher Hall will be renovated. But rather than proceed with the current redesign, by Foster & Partners, officials said they would solicit new architectural proposals.

Foster’s won the project in competition in 2005 but it was stalled, perhaps by the ‘daunting prospect or raising $300m in construction costs' the article said. When contacted by The Times, a spokesperson for Foster & Partners seemly surprised by the news, and said in an email: “Obviously we would like to continue working with our clients to realize this project.”

For now an RFP will be issued soon to select an architect for the project. A theatre consultant - to remain nameless - is already on board. While the precise details of the project are as yet unknown, the goal is to create a flexible world class hall that can accommodate various configurations - including a thrust stage, a proscenium or a theatre in the round with top notch acoustics that has an intimacy to it.

Construction is expected to start before 2017.