SEE: Rockefeller Center Developer Plans Plaza Renovation

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — The development firm that owns Rockefeller Center is planning a major renovation to Rockefeller Plaza, one of New York City's most-visited tourist destinations.

Tishman Speyer's planned renovation aims to improve pedestrian traffic flow within the plaza, upgrade the plaza's main staircase and make aesthetic changes to the plaza's gardens and elevators, according to plans revealed this week at city Landmarks Preservation Commission public hearing. The developers hired architecture firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates, LLP to design the plaza overhaul.

Renderings revealed Tuesday at the LPC show that the most significant change to the plaza would be made to its main staircase. Two bronze statues currently stationed at the mouth of the staircase will be relocated next to the plaza's central statue "Prometheus." A monument to John D. Rockefeller will also be relocated to the plaza's Channel Gardens at the Fifth Avenue entrance. The monument currently sits right at the entrance to the staircase, which blocks pedestrian access and causes tourists to idle nearby.

Plans also call for the replacement of the main staircase's existing granite parapet. The stone structure would be replaced by a bronze railing and planters. The railing will be removable, allowing for the creation of an expanded staircase during the summer.

Other improvements to pedestrian flow in the plan include the creation of new staircases near the plaza's north and south gardens. These additional staircases allow visitors to enter and exit the sunken plaza while avoiding the crowds near the main stair.

The planned renovation includes a number of aesthetic tweaks as well. Some of these updates include reflective skylights beneath pools in the Channel Gardens and redesigned elevators with the ability to project art, advertisements or LED lighting.

All the proposed changes will need to be approved by the city Landmarks Preservation Commission. The commission did not take any action on the proposal during Tuesday's meeting.

Check out more renderings of the renovation below:

All renderings by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, LLP