Landmarks Commission Approves Library Changes The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 6 to 2 on Tuesday to approve changes to the exterior of the New York Public Library's Fifth Avenue flagship building. The changes, part of a $300 million renovation plan by the British architect Norman Foster, include converting two small windows facing Bryant Park into emergency exits; making the windows on the back facade capable of opening; adding an air-conditioning unit on the roof, and turning 18 feet of wall along 40th Street into a gate to make room for a second loading bay.