All improvements must be reviewed and approved by the rent board, which frowns on what is known in industry jargon as 'gold-plating,' that is, loading up the building with extravagances like Oriental rugs, crystal chandeliers or antique furniture.

Jay Oren, a staff architect for the cultural affairs department, said that the $5.15-million plan is 'not a gold-plated program,' but that he understands how some people have been surprised by the estimated price. 'It doesn't shock me because I'm used to building construction costs,' he said.