Gehry off New York arena project

NEW YORK, June 5 (UPI) -- Famed architect Frank Gehry announced he is no longer involved with the planned Atlantic Yards basketball arena in New York.

A spokesman for Gehry, who had created a futuristic metallic design for the proposed NBA arena, said the split between the architect and developer Forest City Ratner was amicable and Gehry will still be working with the company on the Beekman Tower project in New York, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

"We remain extremely proud of our work on the Atlantic Yards master plan and on the original arena, which we designed in close collaboration with Forest City Ratner," Gehry said in a statement. "While there are always regrets at designs not realized, we greatly appreciate our ongoing relationship."

Sources with Forest City Ratner said Gehry's $950 million designs for the arena were too expensive to go forward. Officials said the work the architect has done thus far will serve as a "blueprint" for a new, less expensive design.

"I am confident that we will meet all of our design objectives while providing a dynamic environment and the best sight lines for basketball fans and spectators for all events," the company said in a statement.