If a new Nets arena is ever built on Atlantic Yards, it won't be designed by Frank Gehry.

The long and oft-times stormy marriage between Forest City Ratner CEO Bruce Ratner and the architect Gehry ended this month when Ratner fired Gehry, dropping his arena design in favor of a simpler, less-expensive alternative.

In a statement following the announcement, Ratner said the economic downturn forced him to downsize plans for the arena, which meant letting the world famous architect go. He said there was no love lost between himself and Gehry, who he credited with bearing great patience as the project stalled in the face of legal opposition from community groups.

"I have an immense gratitude toward Frank Gehry for his amazing vision, unparalleled talent and steadfast partnership," Ratner said. "Throughout this process - as litigation produced delay; as rising construction costs impacted the budgets of all developers; and a slowing economy altered expectations - Frank and his team have shown remarkable flexibility and professionalism."

However, as it became clear he would need to cut costs, Ratner said he had little choice but to seek a cheaper arena design.

"The current economic climate is not right for this design, and with Frank's understanding, the arena is undergoing a redesign that will make it more limited in scope," Ratner said.

He announced the firm Ellerbe Becket would design the slimmed-down arena. The company has built major sports arenas and stadiums around the country, including, among many others, Conseco Field House in Indianapolis, home to the NBA's Indiana Pacers. (Daniel Bush)