December 15, 2009
LPC Docket Number: 103819
Bronx, Block: 2281, Lot: 10
431-445 East 136th Street – Bertine Block Historic District
Two rows of Renaissance Revival style tenements, designed by Harry T. Howell, built in 1897-98 and 1898-99. Application is to install a barrier free access at the areaway and install windows.
HDC Testimony
Wonderful work has gone into restoring these eight Renaissance Revival style tenements, which make about a quarter of the small, but distinctive, Bertine Block Historic District. HDC’s only quibble is with the design, or lack of design, of the rail. It is just far too plain to add to the base of all this great architecture. Something more coherently planned out is called for instead – perhaps something along the lines of the rail on the steps. Barrier-free access ramps regularly approved by the commission typically use materials and design details that take their cues from the architectural features of the landmarked building. HDC feels the same format should be followed here. After all the hard work, time, and money that has gone into restoring these building, just a little more time and effort should be taken to finish it right.
LPC Determination: Approved
LPC Docket Number: 104135
Manhattan, Block: 615, Lot: 66
22 Jane Street – Greenwich Village Historic District
A Romanesque Revival style stable designed by Charles H. Demarest and constructed in 1868. Application is to construct the front façade.
HDC Testimony
HDC’s only comment on this application regards the proposed stable door, the most significant piece of this building’s design. With so much glazing, it no longer looks like the door of a mid-19th century stable. The tax photo shows a nice door with windows at the top. Basing a design on this door would allow for plenty of light while retaining the stable feel of this unique structure. We understand that this may be a staff-level permit, and if that is the case, we would like to know the rationale. This appears to be neither restorative nor publicly invisible. If this is the case that this alteration falls under the LPC rules, perhaps it is time for a public re-examination of some of those rules, as the situation recently of the lot-line windows in Cobble Hill has also suggested.
LPC Determination: Approved with modifications
LPC Docket Number: 103317
Manhattan, Block: 1217, Lot: 21
129 West 86th Street – Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District
A Northern Renaissance Revival/ Queen Anne style rowhouse designed by John G. Prague and built in 1887. Application is to alter the basement entrance and to install an areaway fence.
HDC Testimony
HDC’s only concern about this proposal is the six-and-a-half-foot tall fence. At this height it is not an areaway fence, but a barricade. If any fence is to be added we ask that it be of a more reasonable height that the commission typically approves for this district.
LPC Determination: Approved with modifications