HDC Testimony on Proposed Changes to the Former Young Men's Institute Building of the YMCA
New storefront infill and signage was proposed for the individual landmark at 222 Bowery:
HDC would like to compliment the applicant on a very thorough, clear presentation. We were particularly grateful for the material samples and the very detailed historic photos that predate the tax photos. The application does begin to move this building in the right direction, and it will be very nice to see the individual landmark presently hiding under all that signage and rolldown gates. With the clear, detailed documentation of the original first floor and the upper floors retaining their historic fenestration, it seems only appropriate though that the ground floor be kept as close to the original as possible.
HDC appreciates the reopening of the lower portions of the windows, but would like to see the wrought iron metal work also reinstalled. Without it, the base looses much of its strength. We question the need to move the transom bar of the windows down. The transoms now, as they historically have been, line up with the rusticated stone banding that acts rather like imposts to the slight arches of the window openings. Moving the transom bar takes away from the unity of the windows and this façade detail and splits the windows in half changing the proportions and giving them a squat appearance. If at all possible, it is important to maintain the existing entrance to this space off of the main entrance, rather than creating an entirely new one out of a window opening and removing historic fabric.
The pin mounted lettering proposed would compete with the “Young Men’s Institute” title in the brownstone band above, a sign seen in the historic photos dating back to the building’s opening. Instead, HDC recommends using a blade sign, as there seems to be some sort of signage perpendicular to the building in the c.1915 photo.
There is much in this proposal to be pleased about, and, with the changes recommended, HDC looks forward to the restoration of this fine individual landmark.