LPC-26-01803
144 Greenpoint Avenue – Greenpoint Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
An altered commercial building originally built in 1898. Application is to demolish the building and construct a new building.
Architect: Building Studio Architects
The Historic Districts Council finds that revisions to the proposal have improved aspects of the design, including the window proportions and ground floor treatment.
However, we have some concern that the additional height of the street wall makes the building feel less compatible with the surrounding context than earlier iterations of the proposal. We believe a setback at the top floor would better relate to the scale of neighboring buildings and reduce the visual impact of the added floor.
HDC also believes that the façade composition could be improved with stone stills, rather than brick.
Action: Approved.
LPC-26-08566
122-124 Greenpoint Avenue – Greenpoint Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A taxpayer building and a Beaux-Arts style firehouse built c. 1910. Application is to demolish the taxpayer building and construct a new building, replace windows and doors, demolish the rear portion of the firehouse, and construct rooftop and rear yard additions.
Architect: OPerA Studio
The Historic Districts Council is concerned that the rooftop addition is overly complicated in its massing, and quite visible from the street view. We recommend the applicant re-study the rooftop to diminish its visual impact on the historic district.
In addition, we believe the façade would benefit from greater articulation and material variation. We encourage the applicant to incorporate more substantial sill and base materials, such as stone or limestone elements, to provide additional depth and texture.
Action: No action. Work on rooftop massing, rear and front facade, brick detailing, and doorway of firehouse.
LPC-25-11236
555 Carlton Avenue – Prospect Heights Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A Second Empire style rowhouse built c. 1869-1880. Application is to legalize the installation of windows, ironwork, HVAC units, and fencing in non-compliance with Certificate of No Effect 24-02150 and Miscellaneous/Amendment 24-09709.
Architect: Arnold S. Montag Architect
The Historic Districts Council objects to the extent of deviations from the Commission-approved plans. In particular, the substitution of flat-topped windows in place of the approved segmented arch windows significantly alters an important defining feature of the building’s historic character.
We urge LPC to require the applicant to bring the work into full compliance with the originally approved plans.
Action: Denial.
LPC-26-09561
39 Bethune Street – Greenwich Village Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A Greek Revival style house built in 1846. Application is to construct an elevator enclosure at the rear façade.
Architect: Charles H. Henkels
While the HDC does not object to the construction of this elevator enclosure, we question some of the design details. The enclosure’s roofline profile and materials, particularly the amount of glazing on the enclosure, seem to conflict with the historic character of the house. We encourage the applicant to further refine the design and explore a more contextually sensitive approach.
Action: Approved with modifications; work with staff on roof detailing and fenestration of elevator tower.
LPC-26-08613
Central Park – Scenic Landmark
ADVISORY REPORT
An English Romantic style public park designed in 1857-58 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Application is to install signage.
The Historic Districts Council appreciates the effort to consolidate park rules and reduce miscellaneous signage clutter throughout Central Park. We have two concerns regarding the current proposal.
First, we believe the design of the signs could better recall Central Park’s historic signage. Central Park was designed to feel distinct from the surrounding city, and its benches, railings, pathways, furnishings, and signage historically supported that picturesque landscape. The proposed signs instead introduce a more contemporary visual language that risks detracting from the park’s character. We encourage the applicant to further study historic park signage precedents to more closely align with Olmsted and Vaux’s original design intent.
Second, we note that the Appendix of the posted presentation includes instances in which signs appear to be mounted directly onto historic masonry within the park, such as at the Bethesda Terrace and Ramble Shed restroom areas. If these mountings involve drilling into historic masonry, we ask that the applicant explore freestanding or other less invasive mounting solutions to preserve this historic fabric.
Action: Approved.
LPC-26-02329
35 West 83rd Street – Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
An Italianate style rowhouse designed by Andrew Spence and built in 1870-1874. Application is to modify an opening, alter the stoop, and construct a rooftop addition.
Architect: Building Consulting Engineering & Architecture, PLLC
The Historic Districts Council finds aspects of this proposal appropriate, including the restoration of the garage lintel and the generally restrained rooftop addition. However, we are concerned by the proposed widening of the garage opening and the proposed stoop railings.
The existing garage opening width appears sufficient for contemporary use. Enlarging the opening further would require the unnecessary removal of historic masonry, diminishing the integrity of the building’s base. The proposed stoop modifications introduce details that do not appear grounded in the building’s historic design. The simplified pipe-style railings create an overly modernized appearance that is inconsistent with the stoop’s historic character and detailing. We recommend an Italianate style railing to better integrate with the building.
Action: Approved with modification; work with staff on railing and to see if rooftop could be lowered.
