PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY
LPC-26-04358
114 Fort Greene Place – Brooklyn Academy of Music Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
An Italianate style rowhouse built in 1855. Application is to construct rooftop and rear yard additions, reconstruct the rear façade and enlarge window openings.
Architect: Brent Buck Architects
Historic Districts Council finds this application to be generally appropriate. However, we believe it represents a missed opportunity to more fully engage with the building’s historic character. The existing rear structure appears to reflect the historic presence of a tea porch, a common feature of Italianate rowhouses and one that is clearly evidenced on this building and its neighbors. Although the applicant states that the materials are not historic, the form itself likely is, and HDC believes the proposed rear addition represents a missed opportunity to more meaningfully recall this historic condition. We encourage the applicant to explore a design that better references the massing, proportions, and rhythm of the original tea porch.
Action: Approval, with suggestion for modification to incorporate more of the original tea porch design.
LPC-26-05605
143 Franklin Street – Tribeca West Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A Renaissance Revival style warehouse designed by Henry Anderson and built in 1897-98. Application is to construct additions, alter the loading dock, replace storefront infill, remove the fire escape and replace windows.
Architect: Studio MDA
Historic Districts Council is generally supportive of this proposal, and we particularly wish to commend the introduction of new cast-iron and glass vault lights, as well as the proposed cornice, both of which meaningfully enhance the streetscape. While the largely unobtrusive rooftop addition and storefront treatment are acceptable, we question whether more of the historic storefront windows could be retained.
Action: Approval.