The neighboring New York City Center had opened in 1924 as the Mecca Temple, a house of worship for the Shriners.[53][54] The Mecca Temple was acquired by the New York City government in 1943 and became a theater.[53][55] In 1982, City Center completed a minor renovation to the lobby and orchestra.[31][56] City Center planned another set of improvements to enlarge stage, storage, and balcony areas.[57] The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated City Center as a city landmark in 1983; as a result, the commission was required to approve any major alterations to the theater.[58] Concurrently, Bruce Eichner bought Chapman's neighboring site for $18 million.[8] He also bought a parking garage, whose owner agreed to sell it on the condition a replacement parking garage was built.[9]