HDC@LPC – February 3, 2015

Created on Feb 2, 2015 by hdc

HDC regularly reviews every public proposal affecting Individual Landmarks and buildings within Historic Districts in New York City, and when needed, we comment on them. Our testimony for the latest items to be presented at the Landmarks Preservation Commission is below.

39-90 44th Street – Sunnyside Gardens Historic District

166450- Block 182, lot 23, Zoned R4

Community District 4, Queens

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A rowhouse designed by Clarence Stein and Henry Wright and built in 1926 Application is to legalize alterations to facade and windows without Landmarks Preservation Commission permits.

In general, simplicity of materials and design is most appropriate in Sunnyside Gardens. Our committee found the proposed casement windows to be too fancy and without precedent in this district. Wood six-over-six double hung windows would be more appropriate. We also would prefer an effort that replicates what was there originally, which was most likely wood infill, rather than the brick that was installed.

LPC determination: Approved

116 Noble Street – Greenpoint Historic District

163148- Block 2569, lot 20, Zoned R6B

Community District 1, Brooklyn

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A frame building with alterations designed by C.H. Reynolds and built in 1833. Application is to legalize the replacement of a stoop without Landmarks Preservation Commission permits and to alter areaway.

This building has been the victim of many unfortunate alterations over the years, but small changes like matching the original stoop would go a long way in taking this building in a better direction. We do, however, applaud the installation of bluestone, a good choice of material for the areaway.

LPC determination: Approved

10 Jay Street – DUMBO Historic District

165902- Block 1, lot 50, Zoned M1-4/R8AM3-1

Community District 2, Brooklyn

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

An altered American Round Arch style factory building designed by George M. Newhall Engineering Co. and built in 1897-98. Application is to alter the north elevation, demolish rooftop bulkheads, construct rooftop additions, alter ground floor openings, install storefront infill, and modify loading docks and stairs.

While HDC applauds the sensitive treatment of the three elevations to be faced in brick, as well as the storefront infill and modifications to the loading docks, we find much to be desired in the proposed north elevation.

10 Jay Street is a muscular building characteristic of the industrial architecture that defines DUMBO. It is this muscular style that draws people to live and work in the area. Given that its Manhattan-facing buildings announce the neighborhood’s prevailing style and presence, the lacy, airy quality of the proposed crystallized glass façade is inappropriate and incompatible with the district’s strong masonry walls. Unfortunately, rather than relating to and respecting its fellow historic factory buildings, the proposed design seems to take its inspiration from a planned construction project just to the west – a glassy building outside the historic district boundaries. With the construction of so many glass buildings in and around DUMBO, it would be a shame to lose one of the protected gems of the district to this same treatment.

Further, as the renderings show, a walkway and green space is planned to the north of the building along the river, which will make the façade visible not only from Manhattan and the bridges, but also from within the neighborhood itself. A masonry façade would be a much more appropriate and sensitive approach as the northern gateway to the DUMBO Historic District.

LPC determination: No Action

863 St. Mark’s Avenue – Crown Heights North Historic District

162298- Block 1222, lot 67, Zoned R6

Community District 8, Brooklyn

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A rowhouse built in 2006. Application is to alter the façade and construct rooftop and rear yard additions.

The current appearance of 863 St. Mark’s Place is not only insensitive, but a detraction from the elegance that encompasses it. This is a rare case where adding stucco and an additional story helps blend a building into the background, where in this case, it belongs. The proposed color downplays this intervention, while the added story and setback weave it quietly into its neighbors. In the rear of the building, however, the Committee felt that in regards to both materials and design, the current strategy is quite institutional in its approach, and should be revisited in favor of a more residential design.

LPC determination: No Action

459 West Broadway – SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District

162733- Block 515, lot 4, Zoned M1-5A

Community District 2, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A store building designed by John H. Whitenach and built in 1888-89. Application is to construct rooftop additions.

Our committee had trouble discerning the visibility of the proposed addition from the drawings provided. While a building of this height could handle a small addition on its roof, we would prefer that the height be brought down to reduce its impact.

LPC determination: Approved

53 Wooster Street – SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District

163850- Block 475, lot 17, Zoned M1-5B

Community District 2, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A dwelling constructed c. 1825 and altered in 1870. Application is to construct a rooftop addition and alter the rear façade.

Our committee had a hard time discerning the proposed addition’s visibility. HDC simply asks that the rooftop addition be set back in such a way that it recedes from view so to better respect this very old building.

LPC determination: Approved

16 West 12th Street – Greenwich Village Historic District

166407- Block 575, lot 44, Zoned R6

Community District 2, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A townhouse built in 1845-46 and altered in the early 20th century. Application is to reconstruct and alter the front façade.

While the existing central door is not in its original position, our committee finds the existing door with sidelight configuration to be more appropriate in this context. We, therefore, ask that the door be retained or replaced in kind.

LPC determination: Approved with modifications

100 Greenwich Avenue – Greenwich Village Historic District

161290- Block 617, lot 31, Zoned C1-6

Community District 2, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A Greek Revival style rowhouse built in 1836-37. Application is to construct a rooftop addition.

100 Greenwich Avenue is described in the district’s designation report as “the most charming of the row, and closest to its original appearance.” The small-scale proportions of the house do not lend themselves well to a large addition, whose visibility would interrupt the continuous cornice that unifies numbers 96-100 Greenwich Avenue, a feature that is also called out in the designation report. Our committee observed that the height of the addition could be brought down, especially by taking fuller advantage of the roof slope in the rear.

LPC determination: Approved with modifications

7 East 19th Street – Ladies’ Mile Historic District

165478- Block 848, lot 7, Zoned M1-5B

Community District 4, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A neo-Grec style store building designed by Thomas R. Jackson and built in 1885-86. Application is to re-create missing masonry features on the front facade and install storefront infill.

MODIFICATION OF USE

A neo-Grec style store building designed by Thomas R. Jackson and built in 1885-86. Application is to request that the Landmarks Preservation Commission issue a report to City Planning Commission relating to an application for an Authorization Persuant to Section 15-20(6) of the Zoning Resolution to permit conversion of commercial space to residential.

HDC applauds the restoration of this elegant store building, especially the reintroduction of the parapet. We would ask, however, that better quality materials be employed for the execution of this work. For a truly top notch restoration, the use of the building’s original materials, rather than fiberglass, which does not age well, would have a huge impact.

LPC determination: Approved with modifications

281 Park Avenue – Individual Landmark

166208- Block 877, lot 89, Zoned C6-4A

Community District 5, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A Flemish Revival style institutional building designed by Robert W. Gibson and Edward J.N. Stent and built in 1892-94. Application is to replace ground floor infill and install a barrier free access ramp.

This spectacular building’s original storefront is an integral feature in the overall design and composition of the façades. HDC finds the proposed large panes of glass – which are without the transoms and divisions that fit into the building’s rhythm – to be inappropriate, especially considering the amount of documentation that exists for the design of the original storefront. We ask that the proposed storefront be redesigned to reflect the original and/or in a way that mirrors the building’s ornate style.

LPC determination: No Action

187 Lenox Avenue – Mount Morris Park Historic District

165781- Block 1904, lot 31, Zoned R7-2/C1-4

Community District 10, Manhattan

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A Queen Anne style rowhouse built in 1886-87 with later alterations. Application is to install a commercial storefront and alter the areaway.

HDC finds the proposed storefront to be an appropriate installation on this rowhouse, but asks that the applicant, in carrying out this work, consider repairing the parlor floor and restoring its windows. This work would be hugely beneficial to the building – and the business at the ground level – as well as the overall appearance of the entire row. While the contemporary railings at the areaway are suitable as they descend the ramp, HDC asks that the railing at street level be redesigned to match the other street-level railings on the block.

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