PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY
LPC-26-03839
800 Fifth Avenue – Upper East Side Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A postmodern style apartment building designed by Ulrich Franzen & Associates and built in 1978. Application is to demolish the existing building and landscape features and construct a new building, install new landscape features, and relocate a curb cut.
HDC finds this proposal to be generally architecturally appropriate, although not particularly interesting. We note that this building is sandwiched between the Knickerbocker Club and The Pierre, and we feel there the architect is missing an opportunity to converse more deliberately with these significant neighbors.
We also wonder why the project team is unable to make use of the building’s existing structural frame – It appears that the floor to floor heights are similar to the existing structure and it seems to us that finding a way to reuse some of the existing fabric would be a strong sustainability move.
Action: Unanimously approved with modifications- explore datum line, joint material, and further articulate the crown of the building with staff
LPC-26-02343
48 Commerce Street – Greenwich Village Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A house built in 1844, and altered later in the nineteenth century. Application is to alter the front and rear facades, modify and create window openings, construct a stair bulkhead, install railings, and replace areaway ironwork.
Architect: Gramercy Design
HDC finds this proposal to be inappropriate. We are not opposed to the concept of a mansard roof and dormer here, but the detailing and design proportions should be studied. As proposed, they are historically incorrect. The pediment is too steeply pitched and should be widened and lowered.
Additionally, we are confused about the introduction of three special windows on the rear facade, as there seems to be no historic precedent for their existence on this building.
Action: No action – study the dormers in proportion and color
LPC-26-03584
83-85 Sullivan Street – 83 Sullivan Street Individual Landmark and 85 Sullivan Street Individual Landmark – Sullivan-Thompson Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Two Federal style rowhouses built c. 1825. Application is to combine the buildings, construct rooftop and rear yard additions, reconstruct the side and rear facades, and excavate the rear yard.
HDC finds the restoration of the front facade commendable and the treatment of the rear facade interesting and appropriate. We specifically liked the glassy rear addition that allows visibility of the historic rear facade. Our only question is- why were these buildings allowed to deteriorate to this extreme degree until now?
Action: No action- restudy volume and height of rooftop and lower rear extension
LPC-26-01875
473 West 22nd Street – Chelsea Historic District Extension
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A pair of Italianate style rowhouses built in 1856. Application is to replace windows.
Architect: Rebecca Levin
HDC finds this proposal to be appropriate in concept; however, the sight lines of the windows should be maintained. The size of the frame and sash should be reduced to appear less bulky and to match the existing windows in appearance.
Action: Unanimously approved- work with staff on profiles
