LP-2690
Furcraft Building – 242-246 West 30th Street
ITEM PROPOSED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
A 14-story store-and-loft building designed by Henry I. Oser and built in 1925-26.
As the citywide advocate for New York’s architectural, historical and cultural neighborhoods, The Historic Districts Council supports the designation of the Furcraft Building as an Individual New York City Landmark.
The Furcraft Building, designed by Henry I Oser, is a distinct symbol of New York City’s fur apparel industry, an enterprise in which New York led the world.
When this building was built, it was at once classical and contemporary, because Oser incorporated the setback requirements of the 1916 zoning code into the building’s neoclassical design and symmetrical massing.
Recognizing this building as an Individual Landmark will allow it to continue that beautiful balance of the historic and the contemporary by preserving the building while allowing it to evolve for new and dynamic uses including housing.
We want to thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission for turning its attention to the neighborhood ahead of its rezoning. We are thrilled that the LPC has calendared five buildings in the Garment District, but we acknowledge that there are many significant buildings left to designate in this area. HDC has shared a list of 14 high priority buildings with the LPC that we hope will be considered for designation.