HDC@LPC Testimony for July 8, 2025

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS TESTIMONY

LPC-25-09048

4695 Independence Avenue – Greystone Gatehouse – Individual Landmark

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A Picturesque style cottage attributed to James Renwick Jr. and Joseph Sands and built in 1863-68. Application is to construct an addition and replace roofing materials.

Architect: HAL A. DORFMAN ARCHITECT

HDC finds the proportions and massing of the proposed addition to be appropriate. The designation report for the Greystone Gatehouse mentions the irregular massing as being an important architectural feature, and this addition maintains that condition.

The designation report also mentions the polychrome slate shingles as being a characteristic feature, therefore, we believe that the applicant should use real slate to match the original roofing materials.

Action: Unanimously approved.

LPC-25-07440
1 Main Street – DUMBO Historic District

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
An Industrial Neo-Classical style factory building designed by William Higginson and built in 1914. Application is to establish a master plan governing the future installation of windows.

Architect: Cosmo Veneziale Architect, P.L.L.C

HDC finds the majority of this masterplan to be appropriate.

We find it commendable that the applicant is returning the historic arched window back to this building, however we would like to see a 3 over 3 or 3 over 1 window configuration – either approach would help this building conform more to its original appearance by recalling the 3 over 3 hopper windows.

Action: Unanimously approved.

LPC-25-05796
1123 Albemarle Road – Prospect Park South Historic District

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A house designed by Carroll H. Pratt and built in 1902 and later altered by the mid-20th century. Application is to alter the façade and construct a porch.

Architect: MURDOCK SOLON ARCHITECTS

HDC finds this proposal to be appropriate and commendable.

The porch addition is beautifully designed and increases the aesthetic appeal of the north and east elevations. Additionally, we find the material choices for the facade to be modest and appropriate. 

Action: Unanimously approved.

LPC-25-09497
344 Bowery – NoHo Historic District Extension

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A Renaissance Revival style store and loft building designed by Frank Wennemer and built in 1892-93. Application is to install a painted wall mural.

HDC is unclear about the rules and permanence of such a mural as it depicts a work of art and not an advertisement, but we believe that it is inappropriate in scale. 

We feel that the size of this mural dominates the view of this historic district and are concerned about the precedent of such a large scaled piece of art.

Action: Unanimously approved.

LPC-25-04392
465 6th Avenue, aka 101 West 11th Street – Greenwich Village Historic District

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A Greek Revival style rowhouse built in 1842 and later altered with an additional story. Application is to legalize the installation of storefront infill without Landmarks Preservation Commission permit(s) and install signage and awnings.

HDC finds this legalization to be inappropriate. 

We regret that the opportunity to alter the storefront was not used to restore the historic storefront. We believe that if this proposal had come before the commission it would not have been approved.

We ask the commission to deny this application.

Action: Unanimously approved.

LPC-25-00834
94 Bank Street – Greenwich Village Historic District

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A Greek Revival style rowhouse built in 1838-39. Application is to construct rooftop and rear yard additions, replace windows and excavate the rear yard.

Architect: ab architekten

HDC finds the rooftop to be appropriate, but we find the 3rd-floor extension to be inappropriate. HDC’s typical stance is to maintain the top two floors in an extension; therefore, this extension is one story too tall. We are also concerned that the bulk of the extension eliminates the entire rear yard. 

Action: No action.

LPC-25-11234
521 West 25th Street – West Chelsea Historic District

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A Factory style building designed by Schickel & Ditmars and built in 1900-1901. Application is to modify masonry openings and install storefront infill and signage.

Architect: bwd ARCHITECTS

HDC supports the majority of this proposal, but we believe that the use of flat arches on the ground floor would be a more appropriate choice and would aid in the restoration of this building. We encourage the applicant to take the opportunity to restore these arches. 

Action: Unanimously approved.