A former public bath and theatre space in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighbourhood will become a gym for the second time in its life.

The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved the conversion plans, devised by Daniel Goldner Architects, for the Neo-Renaissance building – known as the Brooklyn Lyceum.

Designed by architect Raymond F Almirall, the 1910 structure on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue was originally a public bath before becoming a gym from the 1940s to the 1970s. It was converted into the Brooklyn Lyceum theatre in the 1990s before being sold off to property developer Greystone in an auction last year.

The city’s Historic District Council (HDC) also gave its blessing to the project. ‘HDC is pleased with this sensitive restoration and the very modest alterations, allowing this building to keep its description of the “most ornate public bath in Brooklyn”,’ said Kelly Carroll, its director of preservation and community outreach.

She added: ‘The committee also is relieved to see that this building will remain intact as a single entity, as opposed to being chopped into several units, which may have resulted in less sympathetic alterations to the façade.’

The approved plans reveal most of the early 20th-century building will be restored, including the recreation of four historic lanterns on its facade. Altered windows, neon signage and a new entrance are among the proposed additions.

According to the Wall Street Journal, gym company Blink Fitness will operate the historic space when it’s complete.