HDC Testimony on the Former Scribner Building
An individual landmark and integral part of the Ladies’ Mile Historic District at 155 Fifth Avenue:
HDC is very happy to see the former Scribner Building moving closer to its historic appearance and we applaud the applicant on the steps they are taking towards this goal.
At first glance the proposal looks quite appropriate, but with a closer look it appears to be a rather watered down version of the vibrant original. As proposed, the storefront windows are too close to the façade. Instead they should be set back more to capture some of the depth and shadow seen in the historic photos. The columns do not have the same level of detail of the originals, particularly in the base. From the historic photos it appears as if these columns were located at the corner of the storefront windows and the entry recess, not placed within the windows as proposed. It then looks like a similar pair of pilasters was behind these at the corner where the entrance wall and the sides of the window met. However it is interpreted, there should be a greater level of articulation and ornament around the entrance. Also, the original iron work has a bit more flourish than what is shown in the proposed elevation drawing. Finally, the small, box-like canopy proposed bears no relation to anything else on the façade and we recommend this be removed from the proposal.
HDC is also hesitant to approve a project such as this that does not include material samples. We are particularly concerned about the ironwork that dominates this façade. The presentation boards only refer to the new pieces as “metal.” What kind of metal? A sample is needed to gage its heft and texture. The new should match the quality of ironwork found on the upper floors. In order to achieve the intended elegance, it is very important that high quality materials and production methods be used.
This proposal is a good start towards restoring this building that is both an individual landmark and an integral piece of the Ladies’ Mile Historic District. HDC encourages the applicant to go a few steps further towards creating a project which, like the original, is not just any common storefront but a piece of artful architecture.