May 4, 2010
LPC Docket Number: 091749
Queens, Block: 8017, Lot: 46
343 Knollwood Avenue – Douglaston Historic District
A cottage style house designed by G.A. Mezger and built in 1929. Application is to replace the windows.
HDC Testimony
The removal of four façades worth of original steel casement windows (including ones readily visible from the street) would set an unfortunate precedent here in the Douglaston Historic District. The simple, but very charming cottage-style home relies on these windows for much of its design. HDC recommends exploring the possibility of repairing them, and if not, then replicating them with the same number of lights and a recollection of a transom particularly those which are visible from the street.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
LPC Docket Number: 106165
Queens, Block: 1475, Lot: 65
37-25 87th Street – Jackson Heights Historic District
An Anglo-American Garden Home style house designed by C. F. McAvoy and built in 1924. Application is to legalize alterations to the areaway and installation of a security gate without LPC permits.
HDC Testimony
The concrete parking pad is at odds with the famous garden style of Jackson Heights, and HDC asks that this application to legalize it not be approved. We have seen this block a number of times over the past few years, and the sought-after legalizations have been repeatedly denied by the Commission. While a master plan per se is not possible, we hope that something akin to that is used when rectifying the illegal work so that this group of 20 houses can regain its cohesivesness.
LPC Determination: Denied
LPC Docket Number: 107358
Brooklyn, Block: 267, Lot: 10
47 Sidney Place – Brooklyn Heights Historic District
A Greek Revival style rowhouse built in 1846. Application is to replace windows.
HDC Testimony
We would like to note for the record that just two weeks ago, applicants for a LEED-certified project in the Clinton Hill Historic District were told by the commissioners that the proposed photovoltaic panels on the roof were too visible, changing the building’s character. Here we have another item that will change the character of a quintissential Brooklyn Heights Rowhouse. It is not a leap to assume that thse windows will be opened in nice weather – what’s “greener” than an operable window after all? – and their manner of operation will create a rather alien look in this old house. There are plenty of better alternatives which will not be as jarring. Like in so many other instances, here is a case where a balance between new ideas in environmentalism and often inherently environmental historic design needs to be found.
LPC Determination: Approved
LPC Docket Number: 106446
Brooklyn, Block: 149, Lot: 75
9 Dekalb Avenue – Dime Saving Bank, Individual & Interior Landmark
A neo-Classical style bank building and banking hall built in 1906-1908 and enlarged and altered in 1931-1932. Application is to install a barrier-free access lift in the designated interior.
HDC Testimony
This proposal is a nice solution to the challenge of making a landmarked interior accessible to all. (It is also refreshing to see an historic banking hall used as a banking hall.) HDC would like to ask though that anything that can be done to minimize drilling into the marble floor, be done, and that a different color rail that would blend in more be considered.
LPC Determination: Approved
LPC Docket Number: 099318
Manhattan, Block: 136, Lot: 19
126 Chambers Street – Tribeca South Historic District Extension Historic District
An Italianate Style store and loft building built c. 1857. Application is to install new storefront infill and signage.
HDC Testimony
In general, this is a nice proposal that will be quite an improvement for 126 Chambers Street. HDC does have a few concerns though. As the commission has required of other applicants in the past, the storefront should be painted, not stained. Corinthian capitals are seen in the historic photo, and we recommend recreating and reinstalling them for a more finished look. As for the signage, we do not feel a back-lit sign is appropriate at this location and the sign should not be attached by drilling into the cornice.
LPC Determination: Approved with modifications
LPC Docket Number: 104619
Manhattan, Block: 497, Lot: 15
558 Broadway – SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District
A commercial building built in 1860 and altered in 1920. Application is to alter the façade.
HDC Testimony
HDC is opposed to this application as it would obliterate a charming piece of SoHo from the 1920’s. The proposed is no trade-off for the intricate brick work and very considered, symmetrical design that would be lost. The existing, with its large display windows, performs the duty of a storefront very well, and there is absolutely no reason to destroy it. We recommend denial of this application.
LPC Determination: Denied
LPC Docket Number: 107604
Manhattan, Block: 529, Lot: 29
41-43 Bond Street – NoHo Historic District Extension
A vacant lot with a building under construction. Application is to amend C of A 09-6382 (LPC 09-3588) for the construction of a new building.
HDC Testimony
To begin with, HDC would like to thank the applicant for taking the time early in the process to meet with our executive director and explain the project.
HDC was not a particular fan of the prior approval, which was deemed by one commissioner as too residential, but we find this proposal to be even less appropriate for the NoHo Historic District Extension. While the removal of the shutters, which resembled fire shutters that are found on secondary, not primary, façades in the district, is welcomed, the removal of divided lights in the windows is not. The divisions would give some detail to the large, otherwise fairly blank façade. The removal of canopy is also good as it was not characteristic of this district, but now the weakness of the plain base is revealed. A more clearly defined and delineated base is needed here. We do not see how the proposed bears any relation, other than as opposition, to the examples of other buildings in the district with rich terra cotta, brick, and stone detailings.
HDC does not find bluestone to be an appropriate wall finish. When one thinks bluestone in New York City, one thinks of sidewalks, not walls, horizontal, not vertical surfaces. In March, the commission asked that an application for a rooftop addition on a contemporary building in SoHo be modified to exclude the proposed bluestone. If it is not appropriate for a rooftop addition, bluestone is certainly not appropriate for an entire façade of a 7-story building. It is important to point out that the example of a building using the material is on a smaller building. Seven stories is a great deal of space to cover, and at that scale, this proposal, with the lack of details already noted, ends up feeling like a plain apartment building, not a contextual addition to the NoHo Historic District Extension.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
LPC Docket Number: 105459
Manhattan, Block: 615, Lot: 83
239 West 12th Street – Greenwich Village Historic District
A Greek Revival style rowhouse built in 1843. Application is to construct a rooftop addition.
HDC Testimony
There is not much to say about this proposal that isn’t already expressed in the photos of the mock up and the renderings. The addition is too visible on this small Greek Revival house, and HDC asks that it be reduced.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
LPC Docket Number: 106064
Manhattan, Block: 615, Lot: 81
103 Greenwich Avenue – Greenwich Village Historic District
A neo-Georgian style apartment house with stores on the ground floor, designed by Bernstein & Bernstein in 1906-07. Application is to replace storefront infill.
HDC Testimony
HDC is strongly opposed to the removal of this high-quality, Art Moderne storefront that has changed little since its appearance in the 1930’s tax photo. Had the designation report for the Greenwich Village Historic District been written today and not 40 years ago, the storefront would no doubt be called out as a significant historic alteration, one that very thoughtfully took into consideration the building’s proportions and curved corner. Like the earlier proposal in SoHo, the proposed destruction of this storefront is not needed. The plans show that the space will still have just a single tenant and there are no changes in the location of doorways. HDC recommends that another look be taken at and more consideration given to this distinctive 1930’s storefront.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
LPC Docket Number: 106732
Manhattan, Block: 720, Lot: 82
470West 23rd Street – Chelsea Historic District Extension
An Italianate style rowhouse built in 1857 and altered in 1885 and 1927. Application is to modify existing sidewalk cafe and install signage.
HDC Testimony
HDC is opposed to this proposal as its design seems to have little to with the historic district. We were not sure from where the inspiration was coming – it is neither industrial, nor rowhouse residential. We are glad to hear that a dark finish is now being proposed for the double-hung aluminum windows, but they still bring to mind a trailer home. The very horizontal proportions neither work on this floor nor have any resemblance to those above or around it. We also question the use of corten steel which is certain to rust and stain. HDC recommends keeping the existing storefront and reconsidering the proposed signage.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
LPC Docket Number: 106379
Manhattan, Block: 1497, Lot: 71
1048 Fifth Avenue – Metropolitan Museum Historic District
A French Classic style mansion designed by Carrere & Hastings and built in 1912-14. Application is to install a flagpole and banner.
HDC Testimony
HDC recommends looking into other forms of signage before approving this flagpole and banner, as in general, such additions are not welcomed ones to historic façades.
If a flagpole must be added here, more thought should be put into its placement. Firstly, it should be secured into the mortar and not the brick as the presentation boards indicate. The pole’s location should be lined up better with the two bands of string coursing, a prominent detail at the corner, placing it either in the center of the two or just above or below. Finally, a material other than alumninum, or at the very least a dark color, should be used on this Fifth Avenue mansion.
LPC Determination: Approved with modifications
LPC Docket Number: 107446
Manhattan, Block: 1897, Lot: 19
Riverside Park, West 102nd Street – Scenic Landmark
A comfort station and recreation building designed by Clinton Lloyd and built in 1937, w/in an English Romantic style park and parkway, built in 1873-1902 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, with modifications and additions built in 1934-37 and designed by Clifton Llyod and Gilmore Clarke. Application is to replace masonry infill and construct barrier free access ramps.
HDC Testimony
While the proposed is full of good intentions, there is much to be considered before any decisions can be made.
Reopening the façade of the park building is welcomed, but not if it will only be re-enclosed with what appears to be a generic storefront and roll down gates. The clunky infill bears no apparent relation to the structure, no consideration is given to the building’s primary feature, the arches. Terra cotta screens, both decorative and practical, are not to be reinstalled, but instead plain window grilles are proposed. Light aluminum does not feel like a sympathetic material for this structure or Scenic Landmarks in general. If no other solution is possible right now, HDC is tempted to say, just leave the façade be.
The barrier-free access ramp is a tight squeeze, both for the existing tree and the users of the ramp, and we question its practicality. Last year there was a proposal for a ramp to the public restrooms of a concessions building in Fort Tryon Park. In that case, the ramp was situated within the arcade, a discreet, practical, and appropriate solution.
Updating and adapting a seemingly simple public building is not necessarily a simple task. Examples of successful projects, such as the one at Fort Tryon Park, should be looked to for inspiration.
LPC Determination: Approved with modificationss
LPC Docket Number: 107525
Manhattan, Block: 1897, Lot: 19
River Side Park, West 122nd Street – Scenic Landmark
An English Romantic-style park and parkway, built in 1873-1902 and designed by Frederick L. Olmsted, with modifications and additions designed by Clifton Llyod and Gilmore Clarke. Application is to create a pathway.
HDC Testimony
The addition of an ADA accessible pathway is welcomed here at Riverside Park and creating one in this park’s steep terrain is no easy feat. HDC would like to see something though with a more finished look, possibly with a curb and in a material other than asphalt, a design more in keeping with a landmarked park by Frederick L. Olmsted.
LPC Determination: Approved