The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Art, which occupies the east blockfront on Fifth Avenue between 88th and 89th Streets, is seeking permission from the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission to operate a sidewalk cafe in front of its entrance, according to an article today by Lisa Fiskenscher of Bloomberg News.

The sidewalk in front of the museum, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and whose inverted spiral shape is one of the city's most famous buildings, is usually occupied by a hot dog vendor, an ice-cream vendor, a sun-glass vendor, an African Art vendor, a pashima vendor and an print vendor.

According to the article, "the idea, said a spokesman for the museum, is to offer something more attractive than the hot-dog cart that had been in front of the building for many years. "It's an attempt to maintain the atmosphere of the museum," the spokesman said, but he gave no indication what what happen to the other vendors.

"Since there is very little space available at the Fifth Avenue entrance, the kiosk would be located under the building's overhang and it may include a few tables and chairs," the article maintained.

It added that "Andre Kikoski, the architect who recently completed the design work on the Guggenheim's two restaurants, The Wright and Cafe, drew up plans for the outdoor kiosk as well, said the museum's spokesman."

The street-level cafe, which only recently opened, is markedly more expensive than the charming cafe that it replace that was lined with photographs of famous artists and philanthropists long associated with the museum. The other cafe is located on a higher floor.

Restaurant Associates, which operates the two dining venues, would run the outdoor kiosk.

The article did not mention the recently opened Heavenly Rest outdoor cafe that serves the city's finest almond croissant for less than $3 million and had tables both inside and outside the handsome Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest.