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LPC-25-09125 139 Thompson Street – Sullivan-Thompson Historic District CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A neo-Grec style tenement building designed by George Holzeit and built in 1875. Application is to demolish the existing building and reconstruct the façade. Architect: EDG Architecture + Engineering The Historic Districts Council finds the demolition of this contributing 1875 tenement concerning and we oppose the demolition as proposed. While the applicant plans to reconstruct the historic façade, reconstruction cannot replace the authenticity and material integrity of the original building. Retention and repair of historic fabric should be prioritized over demolition and replication. In agreement with our preservation colleagues, we are not convinced that demolition has been sufficiently justified and urge the Commission to require an independent structural assessment to determine whether the building is truly beyond repair. This case also raises broader concerns about unnecessary demolitions of historic buildings, particularly where deterioration may be the result of neglect. Such applications should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that contributing buildings are not lost without clear and compelling justification. Finally, while we recognize that housing policy is outside LPC’s formal purview, we note that the existing building contains 19 housing units, 12 of which are rent-regulated, and that the proposed replacement would reduce that number to six non-affordable apartments. As an organization long focused on the intersection of preservation and affordability, we emphasize that retaining historic buildings like this one can also help preserve existing affordable housing. This project underscores the broader public value of prioritizing repair and reuse over demolition wherever feasible. We urge LPC to require further analysis and to pursue retention and repair wherever feasible, approving demolition only as a last resort. Action: No action. |
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LPC-26-08230 231 Argyle Road – Beverley Square West Historic District CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A Shingle style house built c. 1895. Application is to modify a window opening. Architect: Bowerbird Architects The Historic Districts Council supports the removal of the two non-original windows on the south elevation, but has concerns regarding the proposed Palladian window. The new window appears oversized in relation to the façade, and its design is inconsistent with the building’s historic character. We recommend reconsidering both the size and design of this opening to better align with established historic precedent. Action: Approved. |
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LPC-26-08389 660 East 19th Street – Fiske Terrace-Midwood Park Historic District CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A Colonial Revival style free-standing house designed by Benjamin Driesler and built c. 1907-08. Application is to raise the porch ceiling, modify window openings, and install new siding. Architect: OPerA Studio The Historic Districts Council finds aspects of this proposal appropriate, including the raising of the porch ceilings and the removal of non-historic siding. However, we question the proposed siding material—an engineered wood product—and recommend the use of cedar wood siding to better match the historic condition. HDC also notes that, while not visible from the street, the new openings on the south elevation appear slightly oversized for this house. Their proportions may need to be refined. Action: Approved, with recommendation to work with staff about final siding materials. |
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LPC-26-09035 150 East 42nd Street – Socony-Mobil Building – Individual Landmark CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A Moderne style skyscraper built 1954–56. Application is to modify entrances and establish a signage master plan. Architect: MdeAS The Historic Districts Council finds the proposed physical modifications generally appropriate. However, we have some concern that the signage master plan allows for excessive signage that distracts from this individual landmark’s sleek design. We recommend that signage not be permitted on the main entrance pillars and instead be limited to more discreet locations, such as within recessed areas of the entryway. Action: Approved. |
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LPC-26-04287 170 Central Park West – New York Historical Society – Individual Landmark CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A museum building built 1903–08. Application is to install banners and signage. Architect: PBDW Architects The Historic Districts Council is concerned that the proposed banners overwhelm the building’s façade. We recommend confining banners within individual bays to keep columns unobstructed, and exploring more transparent materials to reduce their cumulative visual impact. We also recommend that installation be limited in duration, with banners used only for specific exhibitions and removed after a defined period, allowing the public to periodically experience the landmark’s façade unobstructed. Action: No action. |
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